BE ENCOURAGED....

Prior to reading those words, I was sitting there quietly, trying to order the “things” that needed tending for the day and, those looming for tomorrow. Seems there are always more “things”, than there is day and the demon of discouragement wearing a "you're a failure" t-shirt, is never far from my door. Such is life. Looking back at my younger years, I learned that courage, is indeed a choice and, there has been no better example in my life to fall back on than a cold day in February 1989, standing on a pile of dirt, in front of a few thousand people.

While at South Alabama, with very little collegiate experience, in the top of the 2nd inning with the bases loaded and nobody out, I was put in the game to pitch against Mississippi State who was, at the time, the #1 ranked college baseball team in the country. I was terrified but, I was also prepared. Years of preparation were about to intersect with the perfect confidence building opportunity. Scared as I was, I reached down deep, came out of my shoes with every pitch, with everything in me, and after walking the first two hitters on eight shoulder high fastballs, I dialed it in and started dealing, inning after inning. Courage won the day, as timidness would have gotten me quickly devoured. (Read that last sentence twice) From that day forward, for the next nine years that I played baseball, I never played scared again…. ever. As far as I was concerned, when I stepped on the mound, I was a bad man. Looking back at that day, I wasn't filled with courage, I was filled with fear, but I chose.... I chose.... to act courageously. Hear this.... If you look at the verses in the Bible that speak about courage. Almost every single one of them starts with two words.... "I am" "I am", followed by a litany of adjectives, with the most common of those words being the word "strong". I am strong and of good courage, I do not fear nor am I afraid..... (Deuteronomy 31:6) I am strong, vigorous, and very courageous. I am not afraid, am I dismayed, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:9) I am strong and courageous. I am not afraid or discouraged, because the Lord my God is with me to help me fight my battles. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8) I am strong and my heart takes courage, for I wait for and hope for and expect the Lord! (Psalm 31:24) I could keep going but the point has been made. Courage is a choice, being a Believer is a choice, following Christ is a choice and, when you add God to your life, when you give God access to your life, then by default, you are adding the greatest "I Am" to your life this universe has to offer. (Read that twice too) Choose to act courageously today, throughout your day. Be encouraged, not discouraged. Believe that God has a plan for your life. Keep moving forward, in Faith and in great expectation.

Get In The Boat. Do Your Part.

Be Encouraged.... From Nose To Toes!

Shane #16 #life #faith #fear #courage #BeEncouraged