Courage Part 1

Day 1: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Reading: Joshua 1:1-9
Devotional: Just as God repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, He calls us to face life's challenges with unwavering faith. In times of uncertainty or overwhelming odds, remember that God's presence is our source of true courage. Reflect on areas in your life where you need to exercise courage. How can you step out in faith today, trusting in God's promises? Consider writing down a specific action you can take to demonstrate courage in your current circumstances.

Day 2: Recognizing God's Presence
Reading: Mark 10:46-52
Devotional: Bartimaeus, though blind, recognized Jesus' presence and seized his moment of opportunity. In our spiritual lives, we too must cultivate awareness of God's presence and activity around us. Are there areas where you've become spiritually "blind" or unaware? Take time to quiet your heart and ask God to open your spiritual eyes. Listen for His voice and look for evidence of His work in your daily life. How can you be more intentional about recognizing God's presence today?

Day 3: Approaching God with Reverence and Boldness
Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional: Bartimaeus approached Jesus with both reverence ("Son of David") and boldness (crying out for mercy). This teaches us to balance respect for God's authority with confidence in approaching Him with our needs. Examine your prayer life - do you tend to lean more towards distant reverence or casual familiarity? How can you cultivate a balanced approach that honors God's majesty while also embracing His invitation to come boldly? Consider crafting a prayer that expresses both reverence and confident petition.

Day 4: Persevering Through Opposition
Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Devotional: Just as Bartimaeus faced resistance from the crowd, we often encounter opposition in our spiritual journey. Paul reminds us that our momentary troubles are achieving eternal glory. Reflect on a current challenge you're facing. How can you view it through the lens of eternal perspective? What spiritual "treasures" might God be developing in you through this difficulty? Ask God for the strength to persevere and the wisdom to see His purposes in your struggles.

Day 5: Faith That Moves Mountains
Reading: Matthew 17:14-20
Devotional: Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This echoes the determined faith of Bartimaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, and the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof. What "mountains" are you facing in your life right now? How can you exercise mustard seed faith in those situations? Take time to identify one specific area where you need to trust God more fully. Pray for increased faith and the courage to act on that faith, no matter how small it may seem.