Courage for Life for Women - Flipbook - Page 9
HOW TO USE THE COUR AGE FOR LIFE ™ STUDY BIBLE FOR WOMEN • A 2 1
The term “Abba Father” is significant because it is a term of endearment that expresses deep affection
and confidence in God, who is a loving, protective, and trustworthy Father who will be with us forever. It is
an Aramaic term used to address one’s earthly father, and it overflows with the intimacy and warmth of a
happy relationship between father and child. I chose to begin each prayer with “Abba Father” in response
to a powerful testimony from a dear friend of one of our editors. She had been deeply wounded by a broken relationship with her earthly father, and she found it difficult to trust God as her heavenly Father. As
she discovered this very personal name, Abba, that Jesus used to address our heavenly Father as he prayed
just before dying on the cross (Mark 14:36; see also Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6), she began to sense the depth of
God’s love for her. When she added this term to her prayers, she started to feel the goodness and trustworthiness of her heavenly Father. While the scars from her human father ran deep, the healing power of
her heavenly Father completely covered each wound. She began her prayers in this way to communicate
her deep devotion and gratitude for her loving Creator and Redeemer.
In honor of God’s character and the testimony of courageous faith from the friend of our editor, I have provided these opening prayers as a way for you to confidently call upon God as you study and apply his Word.
Before you begin studying the Bible, I want to share with you a little about the ministry of Courage For
Life and how the Seven Steps to COURAGE that you will encounter throughout this Bible came into being.
About Courage For Life
I founded Courage For Life in 2014 to provide resources that help individuals strengthen their relationship
with the Lord and embrace their God-given courage for life. My greatest desire is to see everyone experience
the life God intended for them. Therefore, our vision is to multiply those who live courageously and inspire
them to pass it on to others who will also embrace their God-given Courage For Life!
At Courage For Life, we believe Jesus transforms lives and that anyone can discover the truth about life,
love, themselves, others, and God through the study and application of Scripture. We accept that the Bible
reveals truth, making God’s Word a source of authority for our lives and a unique resource for all individuals to know God and receive courage from him.
We recognize that God gives courage by strengthening individuals with the truth of his Word and that
he empowers them by the work of the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge that we are all stewards of our Godgiven courage. It is our responsibility to offer our abilities, personalities, responsibilities, resources, giftedness, training, relationships, and experiences—in other words, our entire lives—back to God for his
purposes. Therefore, I, the Courage For Life team and board, and our many volunteers and supporters
desire to show all people that they not only have value but also can discover truth, experience life transformation, and embrace their God-given courage while stewarding these assets for God’s glory.
About the Seven Steps to COURAGE
On June 19, 2012, I began a journey with God that ultimately led me to create the Seven Steps to COURAGE.
With the help of my life coach and spiritual mentor, Robbie Goss, I set aside my fears and embraced my
God- given courage. Through proven techniques and exercises, I learned how to act more than react,
experience the power of making fearless decisions, and find joy in the journey of healthy choices.
The Seven Steps to COURAGE are grounded in biblical principles. When we faithfully implement these
life-changing steps, the exercise produces amazing results. Each step strengthens our courage muscles
and, ultimately, brings us into a closer relationship with our heavenly Father. And it’s this relationship,
above all others, that enables us to walk with courage, live in grace, and find true joy in the miraculous
journey of life. To learn more about Courage For Life and the Seven Steps to COURAGE, check out the book
Courage For Life by Ann White.
