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Courageous Disciples Week 1, Day 2

It Takes Courage - The Arena

Ordinary Courage of Individuals

Read

Esther 4:5-17

Esther asks for help from others to be brave. She asks the community to fast on her behalf. Even ordinary individual courage plays out in community. Before you think, “That’s a strange thing to ask to gain courage.” Fasting is one of the means of grace identified by John Wesley. As a way to encounter God and find strengths from Jesus, people throughout the centuries have turned to fasting to find strength from God.

Today, in North American culture especially, everything from food to money to possessions and social media can crowd God out of everyday dependence on the Lord.

Reflect

  • What did bravery look like for Esther?
  • Who do you need to ask for help to be courageous?

Respond

Notice your routines and rituals today. Is there anything in your daily routine that is filling the place Jesus needs to have in your life? What’s your first step in changing it?

Pray

Lord Jesus, come and fill my heart and life with your love. Remind me again that only you can satisfy my greatest desires. Help me to be faithful in following you today and always. I offer myself to you, Lord. Amen.

Return

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below.

Consider what you did and didn’t do today. How much of your day was filled with Jesus? How much of your day was filled with everything but Jesus?

Remember, who you are is how you lead. Self-awareness is the first step of becoming more of who God wants us to be.

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of It Takes Courage” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

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