John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!
James 1:2-1 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But, thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Courage; Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering. Courage that grows from constitution, often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it, courage which arises from a sense of duty, acts in a uniform manner. Addison Be strong and courageous. Deut. 31.
The bible has so much to say about courage and being strong. It would make a wonderful study to just sit down with your bible and/or concordance and study all that the Lord has to say about this fine word: courage.
Where does courage come from? It comes from a belief that God has us in his sight. We are not alone. We are loved and there is a plan for our good. I’ve heard that being brave isn’t about not being afraid. It is more doing the thing that we know is right, in spite of our fear. To me, walking in courage always entails reminding myself that there is a bigger picture. When I get focused in on tiny minutia or details of a thing, it easy to lose sight of what the bigger picture is.
Having fear of going to the dentist is common. But, if we neglect our dental care, we usually end up in a worse situation. Facing little fears is part of our daily life. We must learn to do things we are not comfortable doing or we will face too many failures.
Fear of failing can also prevent us from being courageous. But what great person has ever succeeded in life without many, many failures? Failures are just a way of learning what doesn’t work. We can trust God with even our worst failures. He is not going to be angry or put off with a failure. Picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off is a part of every Christian’s walk. When we fall, the most important thing is, did we learn? Did we grow? Did we perceive our weakness and learn to go forward again with God’s help?
Courage can be simple like reaching out to a friend who is hurting and needs a friendly voice. Helping an elderly neighbor with groceries or bringing dinner to someone is struggling with illness or grief. When we act in courage to help others we please God. When we take a risk that he is calling us to shoulder, he comes along with us and makes a way for us. Courage could be asking a loved family member or friend for forgiveness. It could be starting a neighborhood bible study.
There is a well-known saying, “That the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
As followers of Jesus, let’s be bold to jump into our role as courageous warriors and friends of God with enthusiasm! Being brave is commanded and a vital part of our growth as believers. There have been volumes and volumes written on this subject because it is truly essential to our maturity. We can begin by practicing courage in small ways; each step strengthens us so that when God calls us to greater tasks, we are ready to follow His plan.
Telling the truth is an incredibly important skill in learning to be courageous. The word says that the truth sets us free! This is one more simple way to be courageous. Make truth-telling your new habit.
Father God, forgive us for staying in our comfort zone. Help us to follow the Holy Spirit wherever he may lead us. We are your children and we fail often, but God we know you are love and you give us enduring mercy. When we keep our eyes on you, we are able to walk in our faith and do brave and courageous acts. Help us to remember all the times you have assisted us and bring to our mind the truth that we are not alone. You are not a God of anger but a God of forgiveness. Your gift to us through your Son, (the most courageous of us all) is freely given and not temporary. We are chosen to be members of your family, adopted into your kingdom with a love that is everlasting. I want to be courageous today, Lord. Guide me and let me hear your voice that I may follow you.
In Jesus name,
Amen
