What does it mean to be courageous? Does it mean to be bold? Does it mean you are never afraid? Would you like to be courageous? Do you want to know how to be courageous? Do you know you can be courageous?
We hear of the courage of those who go to battle. We hear of the courage of a co-worker who stands up to the boss. We hear of the courage exhibited by someone who takes down a prospective robber in a convenience store.
Being courageous often includes bravery. Courage is facing difficulty despite, perhaps, being fearful. It is doing what needs to be done even if it is challenging. It is doing the right thing despite facing the possibility of being ridiculed. But being courageous doesn’t start with courage. It starts with being on guard.
Now, that sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it? Being on guard sounds a little hesitant or standoffish. But that isn’t what it is. It is being observant, being prepared, being ready to act. The next contributor to courage is faith. Again, that sounds a bit out of place. What does faith have to do with courage? When we have faith it will all work out as God has planned, we can then take action without fear. Not only that, but our faith also reinforces God is in control. Our faith feeds our courage.
When we act with courage, having been prepared and trusting God, we are strong. Strong enough to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. Strong enough to stand up to the evil we see all around us. Strong enough to perform the good works God has prepared for us in advance. Oh, and remember this, do it all in love. It makes all the difference in how we go about doing the good works.
I pray we all are courageous. I pray we are prepared, and trust God is in control. I pray each of us act on our faith, being strong in the Lord, and go about doing the good works God has prepared for us. Be on guard. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
Marty Pressey 