Day 57: Courage

I received some shocking news today. One of my best friends is joining the army. Mind you, it was the last thing I (or any of our friends) expected him to do. It's not that he isn't capable of being a soldier, it's just that he was close to graduating from college and seemed content in what he was doing. Then one day, he just decided to switch gears, drop out of school and enlist. When I heard the news, I could feel my stomach drop as if I was on a roller coaster--I was completely speechless. I've known people who have gone into the army, but it never hit me this hard. I never understood the apprehension some people feel when someone they knew wanted to enlist... until now.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
~Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

In all honesty, I was scared. Every worst-case scenario came rushing in all at once until it flooded my brain and my heart with one intense feeling of opposition. It's a good thing I was so shocked and speechless, otherwise I might have started listing all the reasons why he shouldn't go. But thankfully God closed my mouth and opened my ears. My friend had to ask if I was still there because I didn't say anything for a solid ten seconds. He knew I was shocked, so he proceeded to explain why he was joining--that he had been considering it for a few years, and he felt that now was the time. I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was excited and sincere about joining, and the impulse to beg him not to go diminished to almost nothing. If he feels in his heart that it's the right thing to do, how can I say no? Such a sincere passion can only be from God, and I cannot go against God's plan. I should not and will not be afraid of that which is God's will.

Lord, please fill me with courage and serenity. Please watch over my family, friends, and pets; please bless them and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over the men and women who defend Your name and Your children; please keep them strong and courageous and bring them home safely. Please also watch over their families, and bless them with strength and serenity in times of separation and/or loss. Please watch over all of Your children--may they be filled with courage, peace, wisdom, love and (most importantly) faith in You. Lord, please forgive me of my sins and continue to guide me down Your path. I will follow You forever, Lord. Without You, I am nothing. I love You above all else, Lord, with all my heart and soul and then some. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.