Courage When We’re Afraid
A Note from Keirstin:
We regularly consider courageous and brave individuals to have a lack of fear. But, actually… courage is the ability to do something difficult, dangerous, or frightening while still feeling fear.
Having courage as a Christian isn’t “I am not scared.”
Having courage as a Christian is “I am scared, but I know God is with me.”
Our children need the opportunity to practice courage in everyday life. It can be big… but, it can also look like:
- Telling the truth when it is hard (and might result in a consequence)
- Apologizing when we did something wrong
- Including someone
- Standing up for a friend
- Trying something new
- Praying out loud
- Doing the right thing when no one is watching
At our church, every Sunday someone comes up and reads a section of the text the Pastor is preaching from. My daughter loves doing that and does that once a month. My son desires to, but gets nervous.
A few weeks ago, early in the week, I asked him if he wanted to. He said yes without hesitation. When Sunday rolled around, he told me he didn’t want to because he was scared. We got to have a quick chat about how important it is to do things even when we are scared, that it is a chance to practice courage, that it builds our trust in God, and that it gives us confidence to do harder things in the future. As we sat together, he quietly read the section he was going to be reading aloud. He looked at me and said, “Okay! I can do this. Can you come?”
Confidently, he walked on stage, with his momma by his side. He did read the passage with confidence.
This month, we aren’t just talking about the importance of showing up for worship and how to help your children prepare well for worship. We are talking about how what we learn on Sunday morning changes how we live.
Sunday gives us truth.
Monday gives us opportunities to practice truth.
Let’s make Sunday morning a Saturday night decision together.
Weekly Challenge
As you take time this evening for your family to prepare their hearts and the home for worship in the morning, sit down as a family for a few moments. Read the Bible, review expectations, pray together… and then discuss ways that they have or can practice courage in their lives.
Family Conversation Starter
What is one way that you can practice courage this week? How does being courageous relate to what we learned at church today?
One simple question can lead to deeper conversation.
Scripture for the Week
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Look for ways to practice courage personally and encourage your children when they are courageous.
A Prayer for Your Family
Lord, You are magnificent. You give us courage to be brave in moments that are scary. Just like how you gave victory to David against his giant, Goliath, I pray over the ordinary moments we have to practice courage this week. Give us the courage, rooted in You, to be honest when its difficult, apologize when we are wrong, stand up for a friend in a difficult situation, speak truth when it is hard… and all the other moments you give us this week.
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