Courage
Ever had to approach a co-worker or a neighbor about a problem? Face a serious health situation? Do something far out of your comfort zone? Then you know what it is to need courage. Courage isn’t hidden away somewhere in our character only to rise when required. It comes from God. Check the Bible for times when God gave people–Moses, David, Joshua, Esther–the courage to do what was needed. He can do the same for you. “Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV
Courage to Climb
The degree of difficulty is seldom based on the size of our obstacle. It is often based on the size of our fear. When Joshua faced a major obstacle, God gave these instructions. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 People saw courage overcome fear in Joshua’s life and they followed him. You may not realize it, but people are watching you, particularly when you face life’s battles. Keep the obstacle in perspective. Be strong and courageous. Let people see God at work in your life.
Courage to Obey
Jericho was a fortified city, ringed by not just one wall but two. These were not small barriers. In fact, archeological evidence tells us the outer wall was about 6 feet thick and nearly 20 feet high and the inner wall was almost 12 feet thick and 30 feet high. For centuries the basic approach to conquering a city fortress was to lay siege to the walls, cut off supplies of food and water and slug through a weeks-long campaign. God commanded Joshua to take a different approach and gave him a seven-day plan to victory. When we have the courage to listen to God and obey… the walls will come tumbling down.
Courage to Go
To accomplish anything we must first decide to begin the journey. The green flag drops and drivers in the race know it’s time to push the pedal to the metal and take off on the journey that will last many laps. The driver knows the race will be difficult. There will be accidents, possibly some serious ones. He knows he will be pushed mentally and physically to the edge. But he goes when the flag drops because rewards await. It only takes one driver at the start of the race to hesitate and not move forward to cause a crash that endangers other drivers and mar the race. Have courage to go when the flag drops.
Courage to Stand
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul tells the Corinthians to stand strong, persevere, not to deviate in their faith and to trust in the truth that has been revealed to them. Like the Corinthians, we live in a culture that scoffs at the concept of real truth and believes there is more than one right answer. This also existed in the Corinthian culture where they brought that attitude into the church. If we are to be the witnesses God wants us to be and if we are to have the relationship with God He wants for us, then we must stand firm in the faith.