The Way The Cookie Crumbles

As I write this, 'No Fear In Your Love' by the epic Jeremy Riddle is playing and I couldn't need that more. Bravery, is a topic which I have been thinking a lot about since making it my new years resolution. Is bravery confidence? Is it going to war?  Is it risking our lives for someone? Or is it capturing that spider in your bathroom? 

Well, I think there are some things which link all of the above. Aspects of bravery seem to be putting someone else or the long term, best result before your own fears. We've all had moments when we'd rather not do something, like go and ask the neighbors for the parcel your mate ordered or initiate a conversation with someone in a seminar you've never seen before. But the potential of making a new friend is worth the fear you might feel.

As Christians, we are told that God gives us a spirit 'not of fear but of power, love and self control' 2 Timothy 1:7, therefore, fear is from us being flawed humans not necessarily God's plan for us. It can be difficult to feel brave, especially when you are stepping out of your comfort zone or doing something new. But if you don't step out and test what God is saying to you, then you will never know the true bounty of what blessings He wants to pour into your life. 

So, I have always been quite confident. From an early age, I loved attention and being in the spotlight. I would be the person that went over and talked to new people on the first day of school or tried different foods or activities even if I wasn't very good at them *coughskateboardingcough* but I always gave something new a go! I was confident when talking to older people, guys I fancied and going to new places on my own. However, I learnt through the past couple of years that though confidence is a big help, its not always the same as being brave. 
The dictionary says brave means 'ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage'. When I was being confident I was focusing on my own abilities and qualities not necessarily ready to face danger or pain, especially not for other people. I feel like there is a huge emphasis on self confidence at the moment and whilst that is extremely useful being brave is much more rewarding. It is an act which puts someone or something else above yourself and your own abilities. I can be confident that I can perform CPR, but could I be brave enough to do it if I needed to? This is the kind of subtlety which I find fascinating in our language and culture! 

I believe there is a reason that courage is specifically used in the bible. Courage, 'the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.' This combines confidence and bravery as it is a quality you hold within yourself but also allows you to face the hard things that may come. To have courage is to know that you are not alone, that the positive outcome far outweighs any fear or pain you might face. I believe that God is that source of strength, He is the one who will never abandon us. 
'For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"'Hebrews 13:5-6

So go in courage today! Be bold in your faith, with questions or chatting to your friends about what a relationship with God means to you. Above all be brave, for He has created a path for you to tread you just have to take those first steps, He'll be walking right beside you.