Episode 006: Living Courageously

How do you define courage? When you ask for boldness, what is it you picture needing it for?

Is it to speak in front of others? To worship without worrying about how others perceive you? Is it moving across the world or facing the person next to you? If you HAD the courage, then what would you do?

So many women desire to be courageous. Many want to be more bold, more confident, self-assured, brave, daring, fearless, fierce, strong, valiant, and tenacious. 

Juxtapose this against the ongoing challenges of fear, anxiety, anxiousness, depression, worry, and insecurity. The reality of just how much we’re struggling with it is conspicuous; there are thousands of books, messages and programs available with the intent of assisting women to look better, speak better, act better, get better, and feel better about themselves. 

Is when we think of courage, is what we’re really after, the absence of fear? 

As I (Barbara) was thinking about how I would define courage, what I view as courageous, what in my own life demanded the most courage, I was surprised at what I settled in on because frankly I lived in this state of fear for so long, so many things, everyday things which to many others, they find common, or which come easily.        

We tend to think the opposite of, antithesis of, antonym of fear is courage, confidence, independence, or bravery. As if only I could gain those things, I would no longer be or live afraid. So the verdict for me is this, what took the most courage in my life was to receive, accept, and live loved, as if I am loved.

The truth is the inverse of fear isn’t courage, it’s love. God’s love was the only fear-wrecking force powerful enough to overcome what I learned later was a spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Over and over the word of 

God tells us to not fear and to not be afraid, do not be terrified because of them, He will never leave us or forsake us.  

But that can only truly occur, cessation of fearing, having true courage, and is only possible when God is with us and after Christ indwells us by the Holy Spirit; now driving out fear. It's God’s amazing love which sets me free from debilitating fear and is ultimately the overcoming power which I abide, move, and have my being today. 

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.   

Episode Links:

Barbara's book - Rescued, Ransomed, Restored: from Damaged to Delivered (episode 6.b)
The Pastor's Wife, by Sabina Wurmbrand (episode 6.c)
Should a Christian Drink Alcohol? - Paul Chappell (episode 6.d)
Other's May, You Cannot - bulletin read by J.D. Watson (episode 6.e)

YouTube references:
“Is it wrong for guys to listen to female speakers?”

“Can a Woman Preach if Elders Affirm it?”

“50 Crucial Questions About Manhood and Womanhood: What's the Difference” 

“A Challenge For Women” (a little free book where JP gives 80 kinds of ministries for women)

desiringgod.org  

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