God has given you all the courage you need to step into the authentic, abundant life he created for you, —but it is up to you to take hold of it! Rise each day inspired and empowered to overcome any obstacle and walk confidently in your faith.
Courage For Life
Day 1
Scriptures: Matthew 14, Psalms 27:14
Are you able to keep your eyes on Jesus when discouragement and fear arise?
Let the story of Peter’s encounter with Jesus in Matthew 14 encourage you to let God’s power and presence see you through. After feeding five thousand followers, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat to the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee. In the middle of the night, while crossing the sea, a strong wind arose and threatened to sink their boat. So Jesus walked across the water to encourage His friends, yet seeing Him frightened them even more.
In response, Jesus urged them to “take courage,” for He was with them. But Peter wanted proof. So he asked his Savior to call him to walk on water, too, and Jesus did. When Peter first stepped out of the boat, he walked in great faith, but when he gave in to doubt and negativity, he immediately began to sink.
Like Peter, do you sometimes struggle with doubt and discouragement?
Let King David’s encouraging words in Psalm 27:14 inspire you to lean into the Lord today and “take courage,” no matter what situation or circumstance you find yourself in.
Prayer: Father, at times, I courageously step out in faith only to fall prey to my own negativity and doubt. Remind me that, with You, I can accomplish anything You invite me to do.
Day 2
Scriptures: Galatians 6, Proverbs 3:27
Do you know someone who is entangled in sin? Are you willing to help, or are you tempted to look away?
Be inspired by the apostle Paul’s passionate plea in Galatians 6. Paul’s heart went out to believers who were struggling, so he encouraged the members of Galatia to look out for one another.
Realizing that everyone is susceptible to temptation and sin, Paul urged believers to “gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” (Gal 6:1). We are not to ignore, excuse, or destroy sinners. Instead, they need compassion and restoration. So Paul encouraged the Galatians to never grow weary or miss an opportunity to care for others. Realizing that God’s grace would lead them into a proper relationship with one another, Paul closed his letter by praying that the grace of God would be upon them all.
Have you developed a critical spirit, judging others rather than helping?
Read Proverbs 3:27 and describe how you can be more courageous and give encouragement to someone today.
Prayer: Father, give me the desire to help those who have fallen into sin. Help me refrain from either judging or looking the other way, and instill within me the wisdom and passion to encourage those who have strayed from you.
Day 3
Scriptures: Luke 4, Galatians 5:1
Do you need to be set free from your fears, failures, or frustrations?
Let Jesus’ prophetic fulfillment in Luke 4 encourage you to fully embrace your salvation and freedom in Christ. After being filled with God’s Holy Spirit and experiencing a time of fasting, temptation, and preparation, Jesus returned to Galilee and began teaching in a synagogue. During the Sabbath, He read from the book of Isaiah and acknowledged that the prophecy was fulfilled in Him that very day.
Through Jesus, God’s favor had come to the people of Israel to set them free from their sin, shame, and the oppressive rules of the religious leaders. Yet instead of embracing their freedom and welcoming their Savior, the people listening to Jesus became furious and tried to push Him off a cliff. But Jesus easily escaped their grip and went on His way.
What does it mean to you to truly be set free?
Consider the apostle Paul’s declaration in Galatians 5:1 and describe the ways you currently engage in your new life in Christ. Then, list the courageous changes you will make today to fully embrace your freedom.
Prayer: Father, you sent Jesus to earth to set me free from sin and shame. Help me genuinely embrace my freedom in Christ and inspire me to encourage others to do the same.
Day 4
Scriptures: 1 Peter 4, Philippians 2:14-15
What is more important to you, your faith or your friends?
Consider 1 Peter 4. A primary theme throughout the book of 1 Peter is suffering. Peter’s letter not only affirms the certainty of adversity here on earth, but it also challenges believers to stand out among the crowd, to be different, distinct, and unique.
In the first six verses of 1 Peter 4, Peter urged Christ followers to leave their old ways behind and live for God. While verses 7 through 11 outline ways in which believers can live for the Lord, the rest of the chapter makes it clear that Christians are to expect pushback for choosing a godly life. When followers of Jesus suffer, they are “partners with Christ in his suffering” (1 Pet 4:13). Therefore, Peter urged believers to choose wisely in the midst of pain, stand firm in the midst of rejection, and always persevere when their faith is challenged.
Describe how your faith factors into your everyday life. Are there changes God is calling you to make?
Read Philippians 2:14-15 and explain the steps you will take today to courageously stand out as a believer.
Prayer: Father, there are times when I hesitate to stand out in a crowd. Give me the courage and confidence to be in this world but not of it.
Day 5
Scriptures: Genesis 16, Philippians 4:6
Are you concerned that God won’t keep his promises or answer your prayers?
Consider the story of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 16. In this chapter, God reveals what can happen when we take matters into our own hands. Earlier in the book of Genesis, we learn of God’s promises to Abram, and we discover Abram’s struggle between faith and fear. God promised to make Abram a great nation and that his descendants would be vast in number.
But at this point, Abram, now advanced in years, and Sarai, who was barren, were unsure how God could make good on His promise. Therefore, Abram and Sarai attempted to achieve God’s promise by arranging for Sarai’s servant to conceive Abram’s son. The consequences of their decision not only affected their immediate family, but it also impacted the lives of everyone around them —even future generations.
Memorize Philippians 4:6 today and consider what situation or prayer request you need to courageously entrust to God today. Then make a commitment to set aside your worry and impatience, embrace God’s peace, and rely on His perfect will and timing today.
Prayer: Father, I am often impatient and choose my own way rather than waiting for your ideal timing and will. Reassure me and help me to courageously trust that your ways are superior and your timing is perfect.
Day 6
Scriptures: James 1, Proverbs 18:13
Do you regard yourself as a good listener or a fast talker?
Be encouraged by the words of Jesus’ disciple in James 1. The Bible offers the best advice for healthy communication. The apostle James laid out three great principles for communication in his letter to Jewish believers. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (Jas 1:19).
James understood the struggle many people have with being anxious to share their point of view. Too often, people completely disregard the thoughts and opinions of others. James also knew that “human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (Jas 1:20).
Therefore, he taught believers that they need to listen without interrupting and rid themselves of the filth in their lives so they can fully and humbly accept and obey God’s Word and will. For if Christ followers observe God’s instructions and do what he commands, God will bless them for doing it.
Do you need to be a better listener and a more cautious speaker?
Read Proverbs 18:13 and list the courageous changes you need to make, beginning today, to be more thoughtful and considerate with your words.
Prayer: Father, you command me to stop and think before I speak. Help me be a better listener, carefully considering my words and always being thoughtful of who I am speaking to.
Day 7
Scriptures: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
How often do you use your skills and resources to serve God and others?
Let the apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans 12 prompt you to identify your God-given talents and use them to honor the Lord and help others.
After urging believers to let their bodies “be a living and holy sacrifice” to God (Rom 12:1), Paul discussed the many talents and abilities believers possess. From prophesying to teaching, giving, loving, serving, and leading, everyone has something they can contribute to the kingdom. In the same way, our earthly bodies have many parts, each with individual functions, God has given each person specific abilities and skills that can complement and contribute to the work of all believers.
Are you currently using your gifts and talents in ministry and to serve others?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and explain how you will make further use of your God-given abilities to courageously pursue the Lord’s will and calling today.
Prayer: Father, you have given me many talents and abilities. Help me recognize and embrace my gifts so I can use them to honor and serve you every day.