Courage To Take The Next Step

How do we find the courage to try something new or go after what we really want?  Fear can feel overwhelming and too often we let it interfere with the next step we need to take to build a solid foundation in recovery.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear.  Courage means that we take advantage of the little strength we find within ourselves and stubbornly obey God who will provide all the strength we need.  Having the courage to change does not mean we will never experience fear.  It simply means we trust God to support us as we take the next step. 

Peter was a “crazy man”, but he was also someone who accomplished much and we are still talking about him and learning from him over 2000 years later.  Just like us, Peter made several bad choices when he was afraid.  However, Peter also learned from the things Jesus taught him in those moments.  In the story quoted above Peter was bold enough to climb out of a boat in a storm and walk toward Jesus.  Peter gathered up enough courage to take one step. He ventured out into a new experience.  When he looked at the circumstances around him, he suddenly got scared and started to sink.  At that moment Peter made a good choice.  He called out to Jesus and found the help he needed.  Jesus then simply said to Peter as He would say to us, “Why did you doubt me?”

As we move forward in recovery, all we need is the courage to take the next step.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t be afraid or won’t need help.  It means that we will summon the faith and courage to take one more step.  As we do, God will support us with the necessary strength to continue our journey.

Prayer:  Loving God, Help me to find the courage to take the next right step.  Remind me that You are always with me, and I can call to You for help in every situation.  Amen

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