Be Brave!

Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

I love reading.  And one of my favorite series of books to read are the Lord of the Rings (if you haven't read them, I highly recommend them).  In this story, Frodo has to take an evil item to it's place of origin so it will be destroyed, and it is quite the adventure.  But Frodo is given a bit of advice: "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door.  You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

 

How often have we been afraid to step out of our comfort zone because we don't know where we might be swept off to?  How many times have we "played it safe" and chosen to try to hide from the world because of all the evil that seems to be running rampant all about?

 

Read what the Psalmist reminds us of: "Even when I walk THROUGH the darkest valley, I will not be afraid."  We were never told to enter the darkest valley and stop.  When we are in our darkest places where we feel as though we are being attacked from every side, we are to keep moving!  We are not to be afraid!  Because God is not only with us, but He has already traveled this road ahead of us; He has already fought this fight for us!  And here's the best part....He has already WON!  

 

When you step out of your door or your comfort zone or your hiding place, step out with the knowledge that God has already won!  Step out with the courage that nothing can take God's victory away!  Nothing can change the outcome God has already proclaimed.  Absolutely NOTHING!

 

Armor Up! Step Up! And let's march on together!