It Takes Courage

WHAT IS COURAGE?

Courage deals with motivation from the heart, for instance PURE courage always relies upon the supernatural power of God to strengthen and motivate believers to be courageous as children of God (Romans 5:3-5). WORLDLY courage relies on human abilities and motives such as the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride (James 1:19-27; 1 John 2:15-16)

“God arms me with strength and he makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32

Have you ever felt as if something was impossible? The task or feat ahead was daunting and you wanted to hide instead of rise? We have all been there, in fact this is the challenge of a leader in Christ- speaking up and following by faith with courage and in love. 

Courage was demonstrated by many disciples, apostles, and people of the bible- in big and small ways. To God everything is big when you follow His son by faith and represent through courage a Christ-like lifestyle. This however isn’t always easy. Especially with temptations of our peers and in the media. We are coerced to be a part of the trending world, and it makes us a product of our earthly desires rather than our spiritual needs.

The beauty in all of this, even if you fall, He is always there. Ready to redeem us when we humble ourselves in courage, knowing He is the answer. When I was in college I didn’t always believe this, in fact I fell short many times and the grief I was faced with was far greater than seeking refuge in Jesus rather than on my own understanding. My foundation was not strong in the word, and my mind wasn’t focused on what was right. Instead I wanted to rebel and live the way I wanted- and the repercussions of my actions was not what happened externally, but internally as I felt a deep disconnect & emptiness. 

We all have courage just like the lion from the Wizard of Oz, and we will be called to exemplify that courage all during our lives. 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 17:33

Take refuge in Jesus, and have courage that you do have courage through Jesus Christ.. You are a precious and loved individual, it takes courage to believe and stand on God’s word and do what to others is supernatural!

Exercise:

Take a second to think about what courage has looked like in your life, and write it down.

List ways you feel you can act more courageously & in what ways you can demonstrate your courage as a believer? (example: act of kindness toward someone who is mean to you, counts).