Courage

There are a number of references for the definition of courage, but I found this one that I thought was good: A biblical definition of courage is “The quality of being able to act bravely under difficulties or in the face of opposition; being prepared to do dangerous or risky things in obedience to God, in the belief that he will strengthen, guard and protect his people.”

The November issue of Thy Kingdom Come had a wonderful photo on the cover of David defeating Goliath. At that time, I’m sure most of the soldiers could not believe what had just happened, but they did not realize that David had the courage that we can only get from God to defeat Goliath. He knew God was on his side and when we appear weak, God is strong and gives us our strength. This was the same with Noah. I’m sure Noah went through years of people mocking him and challenging him all the time he was building the Ark. How did he keep going? He was strong and courageous because he knew God was on his side, not the people who were mocking him. I believe this is where we are today. We have to stand strong and be of good courage for they are weak, and we are strong with God on our side. The world is in darkness and does not see things the way we do, as we are in the light. I love the following verses, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5). We are in the light because we have Jesus with us. How can we not have courage in difficult times when the Creator of the world, and all who are in it, is on our side?

We are going into increasingly bad times and God does not want us to be weak and cowardly but to be strong, courageous and faithful to Him. Don’t be deceived but be discerning of the times we are in and stay close to Him. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20). There are lies and corruption everywhere, but God’s Word is truth. We need to be faithful to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our Redeemer. Faith is not based on things we see but on things hoped for based on the Word of God. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:1-6) The rest of the chapter gives many other examples of faith. Stay strong in your faith and be of good courage!! “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)

Remember God is on our side and we are His people and His witnesses. He will not forsake us. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1-2).