“…The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

Courage will be a consistent theme with this Red Sea blog. As you take this journey , pray for me. Because this is a mantle I surely believe God is allowing me to impart unto others. I’m just going to keep it real…ok? This blog took a week or more to write.  Turns out it was  because it’s a series of writings! ;0) ~ (It pays to adhere to stick-to-tiveness, people! ) I believe God’s people need courage, so I will press through.

Last week, I was looking back through a few pictures from the past and was thinking about  my life “before the Red Sea”. I could tell by  the pictures how I used to feel at that time and was reminded of the memories. My countenance was so different  - Funny, when you are  in the midst of a Red Sea, or  coming out of one, or sometimes just beginning to walk through….you aren’t really aware of the fact that’s what it is. I think back to the time unashamedly, and with great honor in my heart towards God, because it was there I was rescued so unexpectedly by Him. Though some of the pictures revealed a joyful soul…  I wondered to myself: “How was it possible I had a smile on my face?”

I believe I now have some answers… Like the reference scripture says above~ the Word of the Lord “came to me“. Here’s the effect God’s countenance had on me:  I found a good description in Psalm 3 & 5.

Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

Another version in the Message Bible says:  “ (You) shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high…”

There’s a name for God in this place. A place of refuge.  A place where His character becomes clear to you as your safety. His name is Maon. Our dwelling place. He is a God we can trust with our day to day struggles.

If that experience isn’t familiar to you, then you really have yet to experience the fullness of God’s love towards you. If all you have experienced is condemnation, hopelessness and a lack of forgiveness, then you need to find Him. God’s reward is great. Especially for endurance during difficult times. God chooses to shield you from great harm. He is your armed defense.  Had I started out early in my relationship without proper knowledge of  God’s character; not quite knowing this promise; this literally could’ve been one  of my biggest downfalls.

Psalm 5:11,12 says :”But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”

There were times during this Red Sea experience where there were  literal times of great peace – peace that surpassed all understanding that would just cover me up like a comfy blanket… and I would wait. Just wait on the Lord and wrestled with my ‘good courage’. The problem is… I wasn’t aware it was good.

So what’s good courage? And why must it be something we have? Joshua was told this when he took over the lead for Moses. Joshua proceeded to fight several battles, with God after Moses died. In his quest for the Promised Land when the spies went over for a report of the land and found GIANTS – that made them appear like grasshoppers, his response - along with Caleb was: “Let’s go up at once, for our God is well able!” It was his experience with God that proved to be his anchor during a challenging time. Had not he had this experience, he may not have had this hope.

God told Joshua he needed ‘courage’ for the transition about to take place. Transitions in life happen all the time. Whether you are up to the taking or not… you must sometimes roll with the tide. God won’t let you drown… if you depend on Him first and foremost.

My  ‘good courage’ experience  was a Teacher.   Courage that works for you in this manner, helps you to be secure, to be confident, or established in your  strength.  It helps you to be strong in God. Good courage is the kind of strength given as a gift – in hard times. It’s strength that gives honor to God while IN your situation, instead of having it be all about you. Waiting expectantly on God is a skill we all have to learn. It definitely is not easy.

Take heart in this message below and apply thanks, in all things. It helps you over the tide that appears as if it will take you out.

“…Be of good courage, wait, I say on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Selah.