Courage

1.	Courage: The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear ; bravery.

2.	Courage: Have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism.

As I wrote in my newsletter this monthfor January, the theme the Lord has given me this year is to Pursue Heaven in 2007 .  I encouraged you all to move forward in your calling.  I encouraged you to allow GOD to finance your future, not your past.  What an amazing concept—if we allow God to move us forward, we are walking towards the goal.  We are running the race.  We are being determined to run and not grow weary, walk and not fall and soar on wings as eagles. 

I defined courage above right out of www.dictionary.com.  I think it's very interesting that it speaks of bravery and fear being absent in order for one to be courageous.  However, the second definition caught my eye and made me think.  TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ONE'S BELIEFS, ESPECIALLY IN SPITE OF CRITICISM.  What do you believe?  I had someone speak to me recently as I was bemoaning something and she said…GOD WILL take care of you…either you believe HE will or you don't.  I immediately said…of course He will.  Over the course of the day, several incidents occurred that would make me consider that question.  Time and time again I said—I trust you Lord that You will take care of me and You will conquer.  The Lord was calling me to be courageous in the face of trial.  There are many different types of courage and reasons to be courageous.  I'll let you in on a secret…

Lately, I have had to do some things that have caused me to be very courageous.  There are several parts of this ministry/business that I don't completely understand.  The other day I decided to take the bull by the horns and just conquer this one part that I don't like and that I have never understood.  I asked the right person for help and guess what—I got it!  I understood it!  I learned it!  I conquered it!  I acted in accordance with my belief that God wanted me to do this—even in spite of criticism that I was hearing from the enemy.  I can't say that I did it without fear, but I did do it.  Woo hoo!

I think that is God's word to us this month.  He wants us to do the things that maybe we haven't done because we are afraid it won't turn out like we want it to.  We are afraid of something.  We are concerned that He won't help us.  We have been concerned that He may take His grace away.  One thing I can tell you for sure is if God has anointed you to do something—He WILL extend every bit of grace necessary for you to do it!  You can dream and do the impossible.  All things are possible with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Nothing is out of His realm of possibilities.  He WANTS more for you than you can even think or imagine. 

I declare to you this day saints that the Lord wants you to be brave.  He wants you to be courageous.  He wants you to do all of the things you can to pursue Heaven.  I am saying to listen to your heart and the Lord and just begin to step out and fulfill the call HE has on your life.  Praise God that we have free-will, but I say to you today, have courage, stand firm in His word.  He will open doors that you didn't even know were there.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to pray for you.  If you have something big or small that you are being courageous about and would like some agreement, we are happy to join you in prayer.

Step out my friend, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Love and Blessings,

Ashley

They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles!
- Isaiah 40:31