Courage

Read

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Think

A while back, I came across some thought-provoking questions in an article.

1. If you were a German Christian during World War II, would you have stood against Hitler?
2. If you lived in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, would you have spoken out against racism?

These questions make us pause and reflect, don’t they? But here’s the kicker: what about the challenges in our world today? Are you courageous enough to stand up for what’s right? Are you ready to take a speak up?

Courage isn’t just about being brave in dangerous situations; it’s about being wise enough to assess risks and having the determination to face them head-on. It’s about acknowledging that fear might be there, but choosing to not let it control our decisions, especially when life throws us curveballs.

Real courage shines through when we put aside our own interests for a greater purpose. It’s not something we’re born with; it’s a skill we develop through practice. Admiring courage in others is great, but it’s not enough. We have to make bold choices ourselves, whether it’s boldly sharing our faith, standing up for justice, or confronting our own shortcomings.

As followers of Christ, our journey is full of chances to grow in courage. Every choice we make, no matter how small, shapes who we are and strengthens our resolve. Our desire to draw closer to God and live out our faith pushes us to move past fear and embrace courage. And with Jesus walking alongside us, we can tackle any challenge with confidence.

Courage and faith are inseparable. The Bible is filled with stories of people who showed incredible courage because of their unwavering faith in God’s promises. Jesus himself encouraged his followers to be courageous, reminding them of his constant presence and protection. Ultimately, the greatest example of courage is seen in Jesus, who calls us to make a lasting impact in the world by living boldly for him.

Apply

Anchor your courage in God’s promises. Remind yourself of his protection and his provision. When you stand with him, you never stand alone.

Pray

Lord, strengthen my heart and mind to trust in your promises and to step out in courage when faced with challenges. Empower me to overcome fear and to walk in boldness, knowing that you are always with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.