Living With Courage
Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Secondly, it details the remarkable adventure to go through life with a belief system in tact. The enabling power of courage is to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism. Having a resolve about your stand and the fortitude to stand against the oppositions that face you in life. As you search through the Word of God there are many stories of bravery performed by both men and women. David fought against bears and lions and conquered Goliath by having the courage to believe. Moses went back to the place of his childhood to take from Pharaoh what belonged to God. He went up against the mightiest power on the earth and won! This took tremendous bravery in the midst of being out numbered by the armies of Egypt. Gideon was found in a winepress thrashing grain because he was afraid of the Midianites. When the Angel of the lord came into the winepress he addressed Gideon as a might man of valor: And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ”The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12 ESV) Gideon saw himself one way but the Lord spoke the words of His description as He saw Gideon. A man of great courage and resolution. That is exactly how we are to see ourselves, just as God sees us!
He made a promise to us, all of us, that are called by His Name! 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.” (Duet. 31:6 ESV) This promise is an everlasting promise which will bring the results of victory in our lives. As Joshua received his mentoring from Moses and then by the laying on of hands from the same he embarked on a life full of challenges! Without the promise of God and His presence Joshua would not have been able to conquer Canaan.
The Lord promised Joshua three distinct things about his future. First He promised to be bring fulfillment (Joshua 1:6), second, His power would be with Him (Joshua 1:7) and thirdly, His presence would go with them. (Joshua 1:9). As they entered into the land the Lord continued to show Himself true to His Word. Joshua lived with courage and disengaged fear. The challenges that he had to face could not be engaged with fear in the mix. He had to be confident and not faint hearted, bold and having a firmness of spirit.
This is what the Church needs today as always, to be courageous and true to her belief system. Not wavering between doctrines and philosophical statements that sound comforting. The challenges that face the Church today are greater than even before. Establishing truth in a society that encourages falsehood and hypocrisy. The walls have been built but they can be torn down when pressed by people of faith and courage. The fear that has entered the Church has no place and there is no room for it! God has promised to fulfill and His power is with us and His presence is known in this world. Just as Joshua faced the giants of the land the Church can also face down the giants of negativity and pleasures of the flesh. Those walls of separation that cause divisions in the Church cannot stand against courage and truth. God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage…(Ezra 7:28a). Now that should be our testimony!
Move out and away from fear and begin to live with courage. Courage meets danger without fear as the soul fills with the particular emotion of confident victory. Brave life’s journey with the knowledge of God’s promises being fulfilled in you! Knowing that His power will protect you and you are never alone, for He is with always. Take courage throughout each day and manifest the truth of the Word in every thing that you do! Being constant in encountering danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken spirit. Having a adventurous spirit of courage with a high and cheerful spirit feeling no fear and having mental and emotional strength. For His Word has prepared the way for you!
Dennis