Take Courage!

Matthew 14:27

"But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Today is the first day of school for our girls.  All last week the anticipation of starting a new school year brought spontaneous outbursts from each of our daughters.  Our youngest daughter could not stop saying, "I'm gonna be a kindagawdenah!"  Our eldest daughter joined in the outburst by counting down each day shouting out, "five more days... four more days... three more days... two more days... tomorrow is the first day of school!"  This morning the excitement was mixed with nervousness as they both had butterflies loosed in their tiny tummies but they took courage and started the first day of a new school year.

It takes great courage to do something for the first time.  We all need inspiration in life to do things.  Where do you find yours?  The story of Esther has inspired us many times.  Maybe you can find inspiration from these words found in Esther 4:12-16 

¹² When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, ¹³ he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. ¹⁴ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

These words inspired Esther to take action!

 ¹⁵ Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ¹⁶"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."

Be inspired to take on the most difficult challenges that you are faced with.  You are not where you are by chance.  God has placed you in your position for a greater purpose.  You are God's answer to someone else's prayer today! 

Have a good day!  God bless you.

Louis & Elisa Quintana