Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard. This might make us laugh and yet the reality is that we face many challenges though our lives. We do the best we can with what we have. And we learn from our mistakes. Life is hard and we often face our fears with varying successes. We acknowledge a God who loves us each one and who cares for us in many ways. We are called to have faith in God, who leads and protects us on our life’s journey. Some days trusting in God comes easier than other days, so each day is an opportunity for us to come to God with what faith we have and ask for strength and wisdom to keep our focus upon God’s grace and encouragement. Our faith in God doesn’t remove our fears, it does however provide us a shift in our focus. When we are anxious; our focus centres upon the problems we face and our own inadequacies. Faith in God moves our attention from ourselves to God and how God has supported many people through the trials of life. Faith in God doesn’t mean that everything works out, faith enables us to trust in the long-term journey not the momentary external results. Of course, our choices and responses in everyday life are important and impact our lives, our security is in God’s deeper care for our eternal soul. We trust in God in the midst of all the joy and pain, even when we are afraid, we hold on to God’s love for us. Sometimes the fear won’t go away, so you have to do it afraid, knowing that God is with you. Recognise our fear for what it is and rely upon God to strengthen you as you deal with each day. – Rev Malcolm Rawlings