Be bold and courageous

The biblical definition for faint-hearted is: cowardly, timorous, dejected, easily depressed, or yielding to fear. It is easy to succumb to fear during the times we are living in. When we look at the world, we are predominantly confronted with hurt, chaos, uncertainty, disaster, and evil. The human race is experiencing suffering because of Covid, death of loved-ones, retrenchment, unemployment, debt, uncertainty, strained relationships, and conflict, all of which cause anxiety and stress.

Nevertheless, God has given us the Holy Spirit, Who strengthens us, gives us power, love, and self-control. We are not left helpless. The Holy Spirit helps us in all areas.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Apart from the help of the Holy Spirit, we have a responsibility to choose and take courage as children of God. Courage is deciding to be brave regardless of what you face and then acting on your decision.

Courage is defined as boldness, resolution, bravery in the face of danger; fortitude in patience to bear continued suffering; that quality of mind that enables men to encounter danger and difficulties without fear or a depressed spirit.

A pastor once said: Courage is the bridge between the promise and the promise fulfilled.

God gave Joshua the promise in Deuteronomy that He will be with him and guide him, as He did Moses.

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

One can assume that Joshua did get discouraged. It is only human to get discouraged. Even though Joshua won battles, conquered armies, trusted God when 20 other spies only saw giants and fear, he probably felt discouraged at the prospect of entering a new country as the leader of thousands of people. Thus, God commanded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous as he was about to lead the people into the promised land. He had to trust God and adhere to God’s Word or the law.

“Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We are all able to take courage because we have the Holy Spirit within us and because we know the truth of God is by our side. God will always assist us, but we need to decide to endure, persist and see suffering and trials through with God.

Joshua could just as well decided to disobey God’s command or refused to carry-on as the Israelite’s new leader. He would have lost so much more if he chose to give up and be disobedient. But, He reverently feared God and trusted in God and His promises.

Paul reiterated these keys for courage when he writes to the church of Corinth in the New Testament. Courage is when we trust God, believe His Word and promises, BUT act on them in the face of uncertainty and fear. Courage is a sign of maturity.

“Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I want to encourage you today to be bold and courageous in whatever situation you are facing. Take the mature stance and decide to trust God to be by your side. Be courageous to keep trusting, keep believing in God that has promised to love, to care, to provide, to protect, to save, to take away, and to make all things work together for good. He remains faithful to the end.

Stay resolute my friend.

Talita

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