I do not consider myself a very courageous person. I don’t like the unpredictability of bugs, and flying things like bats which can swoop down in an instant, or fast running little rodents that can unexpectantly cross my path at any moment. These little things can cause me to freeze in fear. It is not only unpredictable fast moving living things which can creep me out. Scary movies can cause me to have nightmares for days! My grown daughter still censors the movies for my viewing!
Courage defined as bravery for facing the things we are afraid of or hesitant to embark on is one kind of courage. I do not consider myself a very courageous person.
But courage can take many shapes. It takes courage to trust, to move forward with ideas, whether an idea seems safe or extremely risky. It is courageous to step out in faith into the mystery of the unknown. When I stepped out of congregational ministry 7 years ago into the mystery of God’s call, I discovered courage in the hiddenness of my call to start Living Streams Flowing Water spiritual formation ministry.
This kind of courage grew from intentional faith choice. I made an intentional choice with Jesus as my guide to be courageous. The result has been that my life and ministry have been changed forever by the goodness of God’s grace.
The Three Cs for this day are: Choice, Courage, and Change. I wonder what choice is before you? How will you lean into God with great courage to live the choice which needs to be made, so that life may change for you to live even more Christlikeness.
The Scripture
The Three Cs for today come from Matthew 9:35-10:8, as Jesus commissions the disciples to continue the ministry that Jesus began on earth. Matthew emphasizes the continuity between Jesus’ work in the world and the mission of disciples. Jesus commissions the disciples. And they – like us have a choice!
Jesus says the folks are like sheep without a shepherd. How will we respond to Jesus commission? Who do you notice around you that appears lost and without a shepherd?
Then Jesus shifts his metaphor – once the disciples and us – realize there are so many neighbors, friends, even family and strangers who fall into the shepherdless life. Jesus presents a choice to the disciples with this new metaphor. The laborers are few, Jesus states. How will you choose to live as Jesus’ little love on earth so that others whom you engage in conversation only see Christlike love? Disciples, when we live as Christ loves, are an expression of the divine compassionate love for anyone, anywhere in need.
Today’s Prayer Practice
It takes courage to live the choice of discipling, within families, with friends, in congregations, and at the work place. Courage to repeatedly and frequently love even in the midst of our own hurt or disappointments in life.
It takes courage to be vulnerable and share what is going on within us.
It takes courage to be uncomfortable and love others with their best love language.
How willing are we to become uncomfortable for the sake and purpose of loving others?
But we are commissioned to have courage. We are commissioned to step out into the mystery of faith and listen, love, and change life.
For prayer this day, reflect upon the above questions. Stay as long as you desire on one question before moving onto the next question. As you pray with the above questions consider:
- What words from the questions catch your heart’s attention?
- Which question is most impactful for you?
- What limits your courage?
- What empowers your courage?
- How could God be inviting you into deepened discipleship?
Enjoy praying.
