Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
This coming Sunday is Cancer Awareness Sunday at North Side Baptist Church. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Texas; first among persons aged 75 years and younger. Almost 100,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and over 35,000 deaths will occur due to cancer. While these numbers demonstrate the great danger of cancer, they do not truly show its impact. Cancer is a disease like no other in its demands on its victim, family and society. Any family which has been affected knows the tremendous toll it takes when it strikes. One thing we all know – Courage is required that only God can provide!
Definition of Courage –
• Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
• The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery
Courage is defined from scripture as:
Following difficult instructions in the face of danger – Joshua.
Confronting an opponent with the confidence that you will ultimately succeed - David
Heroes come in all sizes and shapes. Some are old, others young; some are physically strong, others weak; but there is one common denominator...they have the same heart.
Courage is not without fear. Fear occurs when we measure the challenge against our strength. Courage on our part is boldness in the face of fear. Courage is not required where our strength and resource is equal to the challenge. Being courageous is claiming more than your own power to conquer and walking against the fear and doubt that causes others to cease to fight.
God has not called us to test our strength but His. May you who fight be imbued with courage.
Faith Defined
• Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
• Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.
• Christianity The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
Faith is strengthened by reviewing the past care of God in our lives.
1. Our fear develops when we, like the children of Israel, see the giants of the land in our headlights and fail to look in the mirror and see Goliaths lying dead in the road behind.
2. “If He brings you to it, then He will bring you through it.”
The problem develops when we forget Who brought us there and feel we are the ones in charge. The only question to answer is, “Did God bring me here?”
If you recall, you did not think you could go through what you have already been through before God showed up! Our fear develops when we, like the children of Israel, see the giants of the land in our headlights and fail to look in the mirror and see Goliaths lying dead in the road behind.
The problem develops when we forget Who brought us there and feel we are the ones in charge. The only question to answer is, “Did God bring me here?” Look back and see! The past proves God has provided.
It takes great courage to walk through such a trial as cancer or any other serious or chronic illness. It is easy to say “Be courageous! God is in Control!” until you are the one facing the diagnosis. North Side makes every effort to step into the lives of all of our members who are facing Cancer, to walk alongside them and their family, to pray, and to meet needs in any way we can.
Scripture to Claim:
For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You. I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day long. Psalms 71:5-8
