COURAGE

By definition, courage means ... 'the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, and/or pain without fear'.

In the Bible, it is often expressed as a command from God to 'fear not'. Our response is not to be the 'grin and bear it' resignation of a victim ... nor the brash 'bravado' from an egotistic mindset. 

It is the Lord who protects and guides true believers. We have courage because our confidence is in Him. When God says 'fear not', it is for a divine purpose ... to increase our faith in His sovereignty, His nature, and His perfect plan. 

In the Old Testament, Abram's soul was calmed after God assured him ... 'Fear not, I am your shield, your very great reward'. (Genesis 15:1)

When Hagar was afraid that she and her baby would die in the wilderness, the angel of the Lord told her ... 'Fear not, for God has heard the boy crying'. (Genesis 21:17) 

The children of Israel were promised ... 'Fear not, I am the One who helps you'. (Isaiah 41:14)

In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord told Mary to have courage when she became pregnant with no husband ... 'Fear not: for thou hast found favor with God.' (Luke 1:30)

The shepherds were told ... 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people'. (Luke 2:10)

Countless verses throughout the Bible tell us to be brave and 'fear not'. In every recorded incident, courage was to come from believing in the omniscience and omnipotence of God. 

Christians trust that His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted ... that every circumstance in life is subservient to His perfect will. 

The Father knows that in these 'end times' His children need courage to navigate this lost and dying world. He gives us a heart of faith that can proclaim with boldness ...  'The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?' (Psalm 27:1)

There is not a night so long, darkness so impenetrable, suffering so painful, evil so frightful, or enemy so fierce ... that can subdue the courage which comes from abiding in Christ.