Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV)

Edna was nervous. It had been a long time since she was in front of an audience. She had been practicing but was still a bit rusty. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone. These were her friends. She sighed deeply and got up to finish getting ready. This was the big day. One she had looked forward to and dreaded at the same time.

Just then, a knock sounded on her door and Bonnie and Caroline bellowed, “Ready or not, here we come!” as they burst into Edna’s room. She smiled. She loved these two. They filled her days with joy and she never knew what would come out of their mouths.

Bonnie stared at her friend. “Wow! Don’t you look nice.”

“Yeah, you got a hot date or something?” Caroline asked as she grinned at Edna.

Of course not, silly.” Edna giggled nervously under her breath.

“Oh, I know,” said Bonnie, “It’s your ‘debut’ at the Chapel today.”

Caroline chimed in.  “I had forgotten about that. You’re playing the piano for church service today. That’s why you’ve been practicing all week, right?”

Edna’s cheeks warmed. “Yes, that’s right. I’m really nervous about it. I used to play all the time, but it’s been a few years. Maybe I should just be sick today and not go.”

“Oh, no you don’t,” Bonnie and Caroline said at the same time.

“Now Edna,” Bonnie said, “Your God given talent is needed today. You don’t want to let everyone down, do you?”

Caroline got Edna’s sweater and shoes from the closet and held them out. “Time to put on the sweater of courage, and the shoes of strength,”

As Edna slipped her arms in the sweater and her feet in the shoes, she smiled at her friends. “You two keep me going. I thank God for you every day. You help me do things I haven’t done in many years because I was afraid. Through you, God has shown me that I can still share His love and do what He wants me to do.” A tear rolled down her cheek, and Bonnie and Caroline looked at her and smiled their beautiful smiles.

Then Bonnie said, “Ok, do you have everything you need? Music, a water bottle? Anything else you need?”

“Well, I do need my walker. And I have my two best friends. And I know God is walking beside me, too. What else could I need?”

As they reached the door, Caroline exclaimed, “How about your glasses? You might want to read the music, unless you have it all memorized.”

Edna stopped mid-step, looked at Caroline and burst out laughing, “My glasses would indeed be an important item. Can you please get them off my bedside table?”

Caroline zipped back into the room, procured the glasses, and they all headed to chapel, chatting excitedly as they went.

And now, we pray…

Lord, sometimes we need encouragement from others. We get nervous and afraid and doubt ourselves a lot. Please help us to help others find their courage and know that anything done for You and Your glory is worth the knot in the belly we sometimes feel. Thank You for everything.

In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN!

Be Courageous (© Barb Witt 2/18/2020)

About the Author:

Barb Witt is a Christian wife, mother and grandmother who loves gardening, quilting, crafting, writing poetry and devotions, and is working on a children’s book. She has created an email devotional and prayer warrior ministry that she sends out daily. If you’re interested in being added to her email list let us know.