victory through faith

I have been learning alot lately from the life of Joshua. He was a man who took up leadership with the Israelites after Moses passed away. He was a man of great courage and faith. Joshua teaches us a great lesson within the first chapter of his book. He helps us to ask the question, Are we settling for less because that's the way it has always been? Or its too hard? Or another excuse? We are reminded that FORWARD MOVEMENT REQUIRES COURAGE IN GOD'S LEADING. We are to be strong and courageous not in our own strength or ability, but in the Lord's ability. We are to do the right thing in the face of danger, difficulty, or fear. This is courage. Are we truly ready to be confronted by God?
Are we willing to step outside of our comfort and allow God to call us to do something that is absolutely revolutionary? Steps of faith require courage. Courage requires a right mindset. Personally, God has been showing me the importance of coming before Him to fast and pray- especially before an act of courage.

Esther did it when the Jewish people's lives were in danger:

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'

Esther 4: 15-16

Nehemiah did it to plead for God to show him the right response after terrible destruction:

'When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.'

Nehemiah 1:-4-6a

God is calling us to break the pattern of just surviving another day. He NEEDS US to be practicing what we know, instead of just gobbling more Bible knowledge.

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without action is dead." James 2:26