Courage From the Heart
The Dictionary definition of 'courage' – the ability to do something that frightens one; - bravery; - strength in the face of pain or grief.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 The Message bible "I was unsure how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate – I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it…"
The great Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians in this passage of scripture, admits to feeling 'scared to death' – but he brought the message anyway. These verses (4-5), go on to say "and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else."
Someone once said, 'courage is not the absence of fear; courage is the willingness to act in spite of the fear.'
Recently, I have personally had to step up and do some things that were not comfortable for me. I don't like confrontation and tend to stay silent, especially if I don't think my thoughts are going to be received.
But when I felt nudged by our Lord and Friend, the wonderful Holy Spirit Who is always with us and leads us, not only to still waters and green pastures, but also through the valley of the shadow of death, then my choice was to obey.
Are you facing a situation where you need to take courage?
In Psalm 27, the Psalmist speaking by faith; resists the temptation to overestimate the challenges before him and declares that 'he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living". He is letting his heart take courage by choosing to believe God's promises.
Courage is always fueled by our faith in the faithfulness of our Almighty God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 "For all the promises of God in Him (Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."
Let your heart take courage.
Kath
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