21 Aug 7-Steps to Becoming a Courageous Women through Christ

Whenever I face challenges in life, my default is ALWAYS to say, “I can’t do this. I can’t handle this. This is too much for me. NO! Not me! Get someone else…” In fact, the day that God told me to resign from my job and go into full-time ministry, I said, “No way! It’s going to so be hard, I can’t do it.” Going through years of infertility, I woke up every morning for 5-years saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” I faced various trials and pains, and even through adopting our first and second baby, my default for the last 16-years has always been “God, I can’t do this.” But, I have learnt that I only feel this way, until I allow the Holy Spirit to talk to me and convince me otherwise.

I have been on a journey to become the courageous woman that God intended for me to be. Not courageous by worldly standards, or the standards set by our peers, but by His standards set for me and I want to encourage you to be the woman God intended you to be by sharing some practical steps for becoming a courageous woman, guided by God.

1. His WORD and VOICE

You need to experience the Faithfulness of God and there is no other way than by being in His presence and letting Him talk to you and show you His work so that you can grow in faith. Make a point of spending time with God each day, so that you can train yourself to hear His voice.

For me personally, I get up every day before everyone else, make a cup of coffee and spend time reading, journaling and praying. One morning, I felt really down with no real reason to be, so I prayed a short prayer and was reminded of a scripture in Psalm 42:11. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” So, I said to myself, “Hope in God, Charissa and praise Him!” Instantly, I felt better so made a decision to praise him whenever I feel down, because God’s word is what sustains us and keeps us going. When we hear HIM speak over us, we can be courageous.

2. His Spirit

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

The Helper, Comforter, Intercessor, counsellor, Strengthener is EVERYTHING we need. The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and what an amazingly beautiful gift that we get to have an intimate relationship with the Spirit who is on “standby’ whenever we need him. Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, and so should we! The Spirit also paints a beautiful picture of what we, as woman, need to be more like. God has given us everything we need, to be comforters, counsellors, and helpers, and while it may not always be easy, we need to find our confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. Celebrate and Honour Others

Let’s have a culture of honour!

I remember reading a story about lionesses that made me think of God’s Courageous Women. It painted a visual picture of the nature of women and how we should be more like lionesses who are hunting; lionesses hunt together for the entire pride, each have their own roles but they work together with one goal in mind, they coordinate their movements to surround their prey, ensuring that all exits are covered, and together, they succeed.

As women, we need to see and understand the value that each one of us brings and celebrate each other. Celebrate the big and small victories, the joys and answered prayers of the women who surround you, be there for them like your own pride of lionesses. Don’t think for one minute that by celebrating someone else, you will take away from yourself. Honour those around you by being the first to encourage, reassure, compliment and celebrate the other.

4. Letting go and Looking Forward

Philippians 3:13 English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

Whatever healing you need in your life, make sure you acknowledge and deal with it while remembering that no matter the tragedy of your past, your identity is in Christ.

Psalm 119:105 English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Stop looking behind you and worrying about the past, instead… Look ahead! Most time, we only ever get enough light to see the next step in front of us, but God wants you to trust him every step of the way. So, trust and take that next step.

5. Accountability

Find someone to keep you accountable; Someone who you can share your struggles with and is willing to pray for you, walk with you, encourage you and point you to Jesus at all times.

6. Obedience

In life, we have many decisions to make like where to live, what to eat, what to wear and what to do, but there are also some decisions that God has already made for you and it takes obedience to submit to God’s will.

At first, I felt that going into full-time ministry was too far out of my comfort zone and that I couldn’t do it, but through giving up my job and being obedient by listening to God’s instruction, He taught me the difference between obedience and sacrifice. Obedience is so much better than sacrifice because when God calls, it’s not about what I’m sacrificing to honour that call, but purely to be obedient to Him, knowing that no matter what stands in my way, God already has it figured out.

7. Give

Remember that no matter what you do in life, it’s going to cost either your money, time, or energy, so use it to be who God has called you to be.

In Genesis 3:20, we learn that Adam calls to Eve because she was the mother of all living and the name Eve sounds like the Hebrew word for “Life-Giver,” so God designed women to bring life.

Bringing life is not just about being a mom! Yes, we were also designed to give birth, and feed our babies, but it’s more than that. It’s caring for people, bringing life to them by speaking life into their situations and being part of a community, so no matter your situation, or whether you’re single, a wife or mom, you have a responsibility because God designed you to bring life to everything around you. So, drop a meal off for the mom that desperately needs a break, bake some goodies for someone who needs a pick-me-up, phone and encourage that friend who posted about their bad day on Facebook, send scripture to someone who needs it and PRAY for people.

You are designed to be FRUITFUL. Maybe you’ve had to face grief, rejection, poverty, unemployment, pain, barreness. These are things that make us who we are and help us approach others with understanding and compassion. They say, you can’t give what you don’t have, so, stay connected to the vine and you will continue to bear fruit.

It takes courage to live for more than just yourself. Don’t let fear stop you from giving. Keep an open hand. And Give what you can.

To live a life as a Christian woman completely surrendered to God is radical and will require some real courage. I am still on this journey and as I spend time with God and as I grow in my relationship with Him, He fills me with all the courage I need to live out his plan and purpose for my life. He gives me grace and He walks this journey with me, and I hope that this post brings courage and encouragement to your hearts and lives.

Charissa Lane

Fueled by Grace, coffee and giggles! I am a coffee addict, chocolate-loving, playdough making machine who is passionate about living a life of faith and keeping things simple! I am married to my best friend, a mommy to my 4 miracle kids and we are in full-time Ministry, leading a church in Johannesburg.

www.lanesofgrace.co.za