As we wrap up our week on being used by God, today we'll ask God to fill us with courage to live uncomfortably.

May we bear our hearts before God and ask Him to change us, to rid us of all that hinders us.

There is nothing to fear, and God is ready and excited to use us for his kingdom purposes. Will you accept his invitation?

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.

To live as an authentic disciple of Jesus is to live courageously.

Jesus didn't call us to a life of shrinking back.

We're not commanded to sit on the sidelines.

He didn't call us to pursue comfort, stability, approval with man, or societal status.

He's called us to love unconditionally, give sacrificially,

obey him unreservedly, and to live courageously.

In John 1519, Jesus clearly says,

If you were of the world, the world will love you as its own.

But, because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

To be of God and practice the things of God is in powerful, direct opposition

to the things of the world and its ruler are enemy. For this reason, God offers encouragement

to those who face trials, to those who live courageously.

1. Peter 4.12 through 14 says,

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes up to test you,

as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also

rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ,

you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

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