Courage Will Make the Difference
Courage is one of the greatest virtues because it helps us make decisions based on our innermost feelings or on our knowledge of our capabilities. It is a quality everyone needs to achieve success in life; without it, some people may not understand their limitations or may act irrationally due to their emotions overwhelming them.We will delve into the stories of individuals in the Bible who exhibited remarkable courage, and we'll uncover the eternal impact that their choices had. Let us open our hearts to the Word of God and allow it to inspire us to live courageously for His glory.
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1. Joshua and Caleb: Courageous Examples
In the annals of history, two names stand out for their unwavering courage: Joshua and Caleb. These two men, among the twelve spies sent to scout out the Promised Land, demonstrated remarkable faith in God's promises.
While the majority of their companions succumbed to fear and reported giants in the land, Joshua and Caleb boldly declared, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it" (Numbers 13:30). Their courage set them apart.
The rest of the spies, however, remembered for their cowardice, spread fear and doubt among the Israelites, leading to disastrous consequences.
The psalmist laments their lack of faith in Psalms 95:7-11, and the author of Hebrews recalls this tragic event as a warning against unbelief (Hebrews 4:1-3). These men missed out on the blessings of the Promised Land because they lacked the courage to trust in God's power and promises.
2. Courage in the Bible: Examples from History
Courage is a recurring theme in the Bible, exemplified by both ordinary believers and prominent figures. In the Book of Revelation, we read about the fate of the cowardly, whose lack of courage prevents them from inheriting the blessings of God's kingdom (Revelation 21:8).
However, courage is also seen in the lives of individuals like the apostle Paul, who declared, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Above all, the pinnacle of courage is found in the life of Jesus Christ Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the impending agony of the cross, Jesus demonstrated unimaginable courage. He willingly surrendered His own desires to the will of the Father, even to the point of death. Instead of fleeing from His enemies, He endured for our sake, showing us the depth of His love and commitment (Matthew 26:53).
Example of Jesus
- Near his death (Lk. 22:39-46).
- Preparing for greatest trial in his life—prayed.
- Needed the encouragement of his brethren, but they fell asleep.
- Where am I when my brethren need me?
- Ready to endure trial (Jn. 18:3-12).
- Enemies overtaken that he would approach them.
- Could have escaped–endured for us (Mt. 26:53).
- We are taught to expect trials (Lk. 9:21-23).
- Prepared disciples for trials (Jn. 15:18-21).
Courage in Hebrews
- 1. Know you are on right track (chapters 1-9)
- 2. Consider danger if stay discouraged (6:4-8)
- 3. You’ve done it in the past (6:9-12)
- 4. Remember God’s promises (6:13-20)
- 5. Consider how Jesus endured (12:3)
- 6. Could be worse (12:4)
- 7. Bad circumstances make us better (12:5-11)
- 8. Take respon. self & be determined (12:12)
3. God Provides Encouragement
Dear friends, the path of courage is not one we tread alone. Our God is a source of unwavering encouragement, offering His strength to embolden us. He speaks to us through His Word, reminding us that He is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9), that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When we face challenges, uncertainties, and trials, we can hold onto His promises and face them with unwavering courage. Hebrews 13:6 assures us, "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
Conclusion
As we conclude, let us remember the lessons of courage from the lives of Joshua and Caleb, Paul, and most importantly, Jesus Christ. May we be inspired by their examples to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's promises even in the face of adversity. Let us embrace courage as an integral part of our Christian journey, for it is through courage that our faith is refined and our impact is magnified.
May the courage that stems from our faith lead us to take bold steps of obedience, to speak the truth in love, and to face every challenge with the confidence that God is by our side. Let us draw strength from His Word and the knowledge that His Spirit dwells within us. With courage in our hearts, we can overcome the giants that stand before us and bring glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
