courage

Take notice of the following names: Moses, Joshua, Rahab, David, Solomon, Esther, Hezekiah, Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Timothy, and Paul.  These names are just a few of the many heroes of faith we find throughout the Bible.  Could you imagine having to remind Joshua the great warrior and leader he needed to stay focused and be courageous?  Who has more courage than Joshua?  Consider the apostle Paul.  He was a man who was willing to preach the truth to those who had the power and the desire to kill him.  Who has more courage than Paul?

We look back at these amazing men and women of faith and courage, who were willing to stand up for the will of God no matter the odds.  We forget that they too were afraid.  They too needed to be reminded often to be courageous and strong in the Lord.  Paul requested prayers from the church that they would pray he would remain courageous and faithful to God’s will.  Do we do the same?  Do we pray for courage?  Do we pray that we too would have the courage to say no to our desires and temptations?  Do we have the courage to stand up for what is right and pure?  Do we have the courage to serve in the kingdom and to share the story of Jesus with those who are lost?  When we look at the great stories of courage from the Bible, we discover true courage is not from within us but from God.  So how do we find courage?  How do we obtain it?  Do we pray for it like Paul did?  We ask others to hold us accountable, and that they would pray we would be strong and courageous in the Lord.  Finally, don’t forget to read your Bible to be reminded of how God gives His people sufficient courage to do His will each day.  Remember He is faithful.  It is His strength we lean on.  It is His power that brings victory; therefore our courage in Him will lead us into victory each and everyday. - Vic