Be Strong and Courageous

I really think that God leads us to certain books to read at certain times in our lives. Most of the time we don't know why until we're half-way through or have completely finished the book.

Well, I recently finished reading a book called "Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian" and I really recommend that you read this book. It is so good and so eye-opening.

"We have all had moments and glimpses of our own courage.
We've all been brave when we needed to be.
The question is, how can we live more like that? In fact, how can we live like that so consistently that it becomes who we actually are?"

As I read that book I really prayed that I would be more courageous and willing to trust God outside of my comfort zone. Now, I know that some of you are saying, "Angela why on earth did you pray that??? You know He's gonna answer!" Haha, well, I was hopeful that He would but I wasn't really sure how. Let me just say that these past couple weeks, maybe even the past month, God has really been showing off. I mean He is seriously stretching my ability to trust and making me be much more courageous and willing to go on faith. I can't even tell you all the details but here are a few things that I certainly didn't anticipate.

• Brian resigned from his position as youth pastor, a job that he loved.


• We began attending a new church and stopped attending the one that we've been members of since we got married. The one that has many people that we love.


• I began working full-time. Teaching in an area that I've never ever taught or thought of teaching....but I really do enjoy it.


• Only to find out that three weeks later, that position was not approved and I will not receive the full pay or benefits that I was told I would receive. I can remain in the position for less pay and no benefits because of a hiring freeze.


• To find out that we have one week left before our insurance runs up....


• Also, several other crazy things that just make the whole thing seem nuts!

So, needless to say, God is calling us to be courageous in ways that we never ever would have expected. He is revealing all kinds of things, opening doors, closing doors. The coolest thing in this is that in the end He is going to get all of the glory. There is absolutely no way that we on our own could figure these situations out....trust me, we've tried! :) So, I would ask that you would pray for us, pray for a miracle for our insurance, pray for a steady job for either or both of us, honestly we really covet your prayers for our family! We are really so excited to see what God is planning and where He's taking us and so thankful that He is teaching us to be strong and courageous.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9