Our third character is very funny... It is the Cowardly Lion... In the story, Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man venture into a deep forest with low light and lots of confusing and scary sounds. Anyway, it's a comic scene because look what we tell our friends: Brainless Scarecrow says: "I THINK soon it'll be dark" and Heartless Tin Man says: "I feel afraid of lions."
To complete this tragicomedy appears from behind a tree the lion... rages around... moves its claws reaching out to Dorothy and her friends... Tastes and shows it's teeth in a threatening way... The Scarecrow is lying in the grass shaking, while the Tin Man shivers by a rock... Dorothy was shocked and scared... The barking dog is the only one facing the lion, to what the lion answered chasing the dog behind a tree... Dorothy couldn't handle it anymore... she approaches the lion and slap him... The Lion... The lion?... Begins to mourn...
Amazing isn't it? But that's what happens when you lack courage. You can make noises, roar, move your claws to show off... but with the first hit... you'll cry like a baby. You may have great ideas and you might plan brilliantly. Also your heart might be pure and directed by God, BUT if you have no courage, there's no idea or plan that you will be able to implement, much less will you be able to follow what God puts in your heart to do.
The courage or bravery is not fearlessness. Is using fear as a push to deal with adversity. Courage is knowing that it will be difficult but it's still achievable. Courage is having confidence that we can. Courage doesn't shrink adversity, instead it makes you bigger to overcome adversity.
Courage is something that parents and adults should teach children... It's telling them that they can accomplish great things... That they have the ability to do what they are supposed to do... It's telling them that they'll need to work hard but they can succeed. In fact, even as adults, we always appreciate words of affirmation to help us believe and be brave. Do I sound humanistic and not focused on God? Look how God instilled in Joshua the so needed courage. Please remember who was Moses... He was so special to God, that he was worthy to talk face to face with Him. The person who would take over after the death of Moses needed to be a terrific person...
"5 Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you. 6-8 Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."
Sorry, Did I mention that Joshua was about 70 when he took over Moses command? Do you see how important it is courage in people? God, as a perfect Father, knows that it's not about saying, "Don't you have faith in me? Don't be afraid." God does not reinforce the negative, but open space for the positive... God doesn't tell Joshua that he hasn't enough faith, God only reminds and promises him that He will never leave Joshua... Was Joshua special? NO... God was special to Joshua.
"Then they would bow down because a thick cloud would come down in front of the tent, and the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, just like a friend. Afterwards, Moses would return to camp, but his young assistant Joshua would stay at the tent."
Joshua knew God... he spent as much time as possible with God... Joshua wasn't a common guy... Joshua knew what was important... and lived accordingly with his beliefs.
I'm glad you're taming your mind and controlling your thoughts. I'm glad you're cleaning your heart and you're allowing God to make it pure... BUT it is my duty to tell you that you need to hear from God that He is with you... It is not enough for you to hear it from me or any other pastor or preacher...
As Joshua, is time for you to go deep in the Bible to see how God has acted in the past... It is time for you to go deep in Prayer for you to see how God wants to act in you today... It's time to walk in faith and with courage to see where God sees you: "sitting in heavenly places with Christ Jesus".
Want to know how to get Back Home? Read tomorrow.
JUST SAYING!!!
God bless you,
Pastor D
David Pimentel
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