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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:9)
The Christian band Casting Crowns has a line in one of their songs that says, "Lord, make us courageous." The Bible is replete with examples of godly men and women who were courageous. Their examples inspire all who read their stories of heroism and courage. A few examples include Moses leading the children of Israel to cross the Red Sea; Joshua leading the people across the Jordan River; Rahab hiding the spies; Esther standing strong for her faith and her people; Stephen proclaiming Christ and dying a martyr's death; and of course our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whose life was marked by obedience to the Father and incomparable courage.
I have heard courage described not as the absence of fear, but as moving forward in spite of our fears. In other words, courage is fear that has said its prayers. Most equate courage only with isolated heroic acts where someone accomplishes some great feat in the midst of danger. Now, I agree that it takes courage to risk your life and do the right thing, but most of us will never be called upon to exhibit courage in peril of life and limb. It could happen, but most likely it will not. I want you to think of another type of courage, the courage to do the right thing in your everyday life.
It takes courage to love and lead your family well. It takes courage and fortitude to stare temptation squarely in the face and walk away. It takes courage to put another person's needs above your own. It takes courage to take a stand for Christ when others are ridiculing Him. Not long ago, here in Austin at the gym where I work out, I heard two men very loudly belittling Christianity. I walked up to one of the men and shared with him that I was a Christian and the very things he was laughing at were very important to me. I was kind in my confrontation but also direct. He did not get angry, and I think God used this event in his life.
I am not saying I am always courageous and do the right thing. But I want to be. In every situation, I want the courage to be able to stand up and speak up. How about you? How courageous are you in the everyday events of life? Proverbs 28:1 states,
"The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
"Dear God, help us to be bold and courageous as lions; help us not to flee trouble, but to stand our ground and fully rely on You to give us the courage to do the right thing, especially when the right thing is hard to do. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."
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