Chapter Seven

Ok, I Admit It: I'm Afraid

God, Give Me Courage

Starting Off:	To Memorize: Jesus said, My strength is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9a) I sought the Lord, and He answered me: He delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4) Even if you think you're brave, this prayer might be the most important prayer you'll ever pray. Courage is the virtue that helps you practice all the others. Even honesty, self-control, patience and chastity take courage. When it's time to say no to yourself and to the temptations of the world, that's when you need the guts not to give in. The things we hold onto hold us back in our struggle against evil. Addictions, fears and phobias paralyze, but with God's empowering strength, they can be overcome. It all comes down to sacrifice— the willingness to give up whatever keeps us from being strong for God. Anthony says: You need courage to persevere through life's difficulties, to endure suffering, to take risks, to give witness to the truth, to dare to do great things. In short, you need courage for just about everything. And it's available! Every time we admit our weakness and our dependency on God, we're ripe for his grace and help. Every time. Courage isn't just a skill, it's a gift, an extra “shot” of grace God can give us beyond our natural abilities. Even though the apostles saw Jesus walking through walls after His resurrection, they were still hiding— until the Holy Spirit came down on them at Pentecost. Then they rushed out and turned the world upside down! The Bible tells us to continually be filled with that same Spirit. We all face times of danger or temptation. If we rely on our own courage, we're in trouble. But God's Spirit can take us triumphantly through whatever we face. Jesus said, If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! So ask. Trust Him to keep His promise. Then you can face anything.
Reconnecting:	Think over your time since the last session. As you've practiced confession and forgiveness, you probably have felt significant release from guilt and resentment, and a new measure of inner peace. Share with everyone what you have experienced as you have prayed “God, give me peace.” Have you read the seventh chapter, God, Give Me Courage, and answered the questions in the Study Guide? Then it's time to…
Talk About This:	•  Think about the times you have been the most afraid. What did you do? How did you find courage? •  What did you think about Anthony's experience in the creepy house? What two weapons did Father Frank have that made him unafraid? (Page 117) Anthony says: Courage is the cornerstone and linchpin of the entire moral order. •  What does that mean to you? Have you found that it's sometimes a struggle to act out those virtues that keep you right with God? •  Sharing our “wealth” can take a lot of courage. The bravest hero may recoil when he thinks of losing his money. How would facing the fact that, ultimately, we never really “own” anything, and that God is our real security, lessen your fear of losing material things? •  What does the word “relinquishing” mean? What would be hardest for you to relinquish? What does God do when we relinquish something for him? (page 127) •  What is our most important struggle in life? What do you think of when you think of “evil”? Do you have the courage to fight those things for God? (Page 127) •  What should be our attitude toward people with addictions and phobias? (Page 123- 124). Perhaps you have a problem of your own in these areas. Can God give you enough courage to find a strong spiritual counselor to ask for help? God can rescue you, even from yourself. Anthony says: God is willing to distribute massive doses of supernatural grace to those of His children who are rightly disposed to Him, and who ask for courage.
Action:	Some in the Group may have extra need of courage right now because of illness, business problems, marital struggles or rebellious children. If there are things that would be awkward to share out loud, you might use an old, but effective method and make an “unspoken request.” Let the Group pray, and watch God begin to answer. As he does, share the victory. Pray the prayer together: God, give me courage. We all need it!
Closing Prayer:	Lord, we thank You for every answered prayer we've experienced as we've studied and prayed together. We come into Your courts now with our worship. We acknowledge Your divinity, Your glory and Your power and give You our adoration. We bring You our fears and uncertainties and ask for Your help to face them all. We need the courage that comes through Your Holy Spirit. Help us today to relinquish everything to You so that You can come in and fill us up with yourself. We want less of our ego, our pride, our desires, and more of Your life and heart and bravery. We continue to pray that You will constantly cleanse us, make us Your instruments and give us peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Assignment:	Read Chapter 8. Memorize the Scripture. Be ready to share your notes and your answers to the Talk About This section. Be ready to share the answers to the special prayers you've been learning about and praying! Don't forget to keep praying them all.