Courage (1)
"...Act with courage..."
2 Chronicles 19:11
The English word for courage comes from the French word coragecoeur, which means 'heart.' That's why we say, 'Don't lose heart.' The truth is:
(1) It takes courage to face the truth about yourself. Jesus said, 'You shall
know the truth and the truth shall make you free' (John 8:32 NKJV). But before
the truth sets us free it usually puts us through the wringer because the truth
about ourselves is not something we like hearing.
(2) It takes courage to change when staying as you are feels more comfortable.
If you're willing to leave your security zone, step out in faith and follow God,
you'll be tested. But you'll also reach heights you thought were beyond you. And
you'll go further than others who possess greater talent than you do.
(3) It takes courage to stand for your convictions when you know they'll
be challenged. Any time you're willing to stand for something, or try something,
somebody will take a shot at you. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, 'Whatever you do,
you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon there's always someone to tell
you you're wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to
believe that your critics are right.
To map out a course of action and follow it to the end, requires the same courage a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them.' When Nehemiah's enemies threatened him he said, 'Should a man like me run away?...I will not' (Nehemiah 6:11 NIV). As a result he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in a record 52 days and got a book in the Bible named after him. How's that for courage?
Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Comments
I love your "My Flickr" widget.
Btw, I replied to your comment at Imrah
Peace calls for courage, indeed.
When I lack courage I say "I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me"....
Thank you for pulling my name out of the hat! Yeah! Looking forward to reading 'your' book, Mike.