"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."--Isaiah 40:31(AMP)
"We worry about crashing and burning, so we never take off. We are worried about what people will think..."--Rev. Harrod Emmanuel Clay, Jr., Pastor
The quote above is from our pastor who has been teaching a series on courage and cowardice. For the vast majority of us, the struggle with cowardice ("a shameful lack of courage, especially in the face of danger") is an internal reality we may be unwilling to readily admit.
When cowardice is at the helm of our lives, truth and honesty are covered and change never occurs. Cowardice keeps us from "flying" and moving in the destiny to which God has called us. We have become masters at disguising cowardice through avoidance, bullying, desensitization, arrogance, indifference, anger, resentment, bitterness, perversion, "acting out", etc. The presence of cowardice in our lives reveals that there is a stronghold at work that is keeping us bound.
Have you flown lately? If not, who or what is keeping you from being a "frequent flyer"? Genuine authentic change requires truth and honesty, and identifying the areas of our lives where there is cowardice.
"But you desire honesty from the womb,teaching me wisdom even there."
--Psalm 51:6(NLT)
It takes courage to be truthful and honest with God, others, and ourselves about cowardice. It takes courage to take an honest look at the broken parts of our lives. Yet, this is what God requires.
God has deposited supernatural strength and power into those who place their hope and expectation in him. He gives us courage and the victory over cowardice, thereby enabling us to soar to heights we never dreamed possible!
Reflection
1. Do you consider yourself a person of courage or cowardice? Why?
2. Are you more comfortable with playing it safe or taking risks? Why?
3. Do you feel the need to downplay your gifts, talents, abilities, or intellect in order to placate others or to feel accepted?
4. Do you derive pleasure from gossiping or discussing an issue you have with someone with another person?
5. Identify any areas of your life in which cowardice is at work.
6. Identify areas of courage in your life. How was it developed in you?
***If you would like more information on Pastor Clay's teaching on Cowardice, please email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call: (866)460-8976.
The quote above is from our pastor who has been teaching a series on courage and cowardice. For the vast majority of us, the struggle with cowardice ("a shameful lack of courage, especially in the face of danger") is an internal reality we may be unwilling to readily admit.
When cowardice is at the helm of our lives, truth and honesty are covered and change never occurs. Cowardice keeps us from "flying" and moving in the destiny to which God has called us. We have become masters at disguising cowardice through avoidance, bullying, desensitization, arrogance, indifference, anger, resentment, bitterness, perversion, "acting out", etc. The presence of cowardice in our lives reveals that there is a stronghold at work that is keeping us bound.
Have you flown lately? If not, who or what is keeping you from being a "frequent flyer"? Genuine authentic change requires truth and honesty, and identifying the areas of our lives where there is cowardice.
"But you desire honesty from the womb,teaching me wisdom even there."
--Psalm 51:6(NLT)
It takes courage to be truthful and honest with God, others, and ourselves about cowardice. It takes courage to take an honest look at the broken parts of our lives. Yet, this is what God requires.
God has deposited supernatural strength and power into those who place their hope and expectation in him. He gives us courage and the victory over cowardice, thereby enabling us to soar to heights we never dreamed possible!
Reflection
1. Do you consider yourself a person of courage or cowardice? Why?
2. Are you more comfortable with playing it safe or taking risks? Why?
3. Do you feel the need to downplay your gifts, talents, abilities, or intellect in order to placate others or to feel accepted?
4. Do you derive pleasure from gossiping or discussing an issue you have with someone with another person?
5. Identify any areas of your life in which cowardice is at work.
6. Identify areas of courage in your life. How was it developed in you?
***If you would like more information on Pastor Clay's teaching on Cowardice, please email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call: (866)460-8976.
