Take courage in the Lord

A person who believes in Christ is called to be courageous. Courage is a very important attribute for the Christian soul for with it using other attributes like love, honor etc become much easy and practical.

Right from the times when God manifested himself to Moses we keep hearing that the Lord God encouraging his people to have courage. You need courage to do the will of God.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Courage is not entirely an emotion only but it more of a decision too. Decisions are invariably related to actions. When you are called do something for Christ you need to do it courageously.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Even in the New Testament when we read the Gospel we notice that Jesus asked people to take courage not just for doing works but other things as well. Sometimes it’s been about receiving healing, receiving forgiveness and even about overcoming the world. Let’s read the Holy Scriptures about that as well:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Matthew 9:2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their  faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “ Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

Picture this, courage is like keeping your hands up for a fight. A soldier can easily block blows against him if he were to keep his guard with his hands up. If he were to keep his hands all the way down, the enemy would be able to easily hurt him. When you are called to be courageous don’t give up instead keep your hope up and not at all down. This will help you to live truly victorious in the Lord.

2 Chronicles 15:7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.

When you are faced with anxiety you are called to wait up on the Lord with courage. To know more about waiting on the Lord click here. Courage is highly important when waiting for the Lord, especially in hardships that are very much long drawn and you need help from God.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you.”

There is a good reason for those believe in God not to lose courage nor to fear. This is because Jesus is both the light and savior of the world. So those who follow him are called to be courageous.

Psalm 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

John 8:14  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

There is great wisdom in the Bible that can help you to live courageously. You can mediate on the scriptures mentioned about and the following for this purpose. Pay special attention to the last verse as well as it means a lot. Here are the scriptures for you:

1 Corinthians 16:13  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Hebrews 13:5-6  For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

1 Peter 3:13-14  Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”

1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

It’s my prayer and desire that you grow more courageous in the Lord. Go on forward and take bold steps for the glory of God. Amen.