Courageous Lives

“Be strong and of good courage.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

“Courage is doing the right thing because you believe that makes a difference.”

My thoughts today are about “courageous lives.”

Avoidance of every risk removes any possibility of great achievement and grand adventure. You were created to meet challenges and enjoy amazing accomplishments. Facing challenges and  overcoming difficulties, you can learn your capabilities and fulfill your potential. The excitement and enthusiasm your spirit longs for is found living courageously when situations require. Most lives are cautious rather than courageous, therefore smaller rather than greater. Living safely may lengthen your years, but will shorten your life. God made you capable of more than you imagine. That requires courageous lives!

Courage is never automatic nor is it easy but it is possible, as so many lives demonstrate every day. Courage is a difficult choice in the face of great adversity and danger, as well as the fears that accompany such moments. Maybe you are walking through one of those times right now. The setting could be a crisis of health, or marriage and family, or personal, or financial, or spiritual. Crises call out for courage and strength.

I prayed recently with a person who learned of the infidelity of their spouse, yet in the face of their devastating pain offered forgiveness and restoration; that’s courageous. I have friends who presently face health challenges that demand more courage than I have yet been called upon to have. There is no courage without the context of danger, risk of loss, or sacrifice. Here are some things I have learned about courage.

Courage is a character strength you grow into. Strong and courageous are not things that happen to you; they are qualities of character that you choose. They grow in you by every right choice you make along the way, many of them small but all of them right. “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous; be strong. And everything you do must be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT. What better time than now to make a fresh start to live as God would have you live?

Courage is a choice you make to bravely face your fear for the greater good that’s ahead, often for another’s benefit more than your own. In varying degrees, everyday life demands some measure of courage. A little bit here; a lot there. There are those whose occupation requires the greatest courage, such as firefighters, policemen, and soldiers. But ordinary people show courage every day as well. People face decisions and challenges with no promise of how their situation will turn out. David sang, “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NKJV. That song can only come from a courageous and confident heart.

Courage is a conviction you hold in your heart that when you don’t know what is ahead, God does. There are times when people need courage just to get up in the morning. Life isn’t easy for them. Life does not allow you the chance to see and prepare exactly for what is ahead. Yet God says, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid . . the Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT. You cannot know what is around the corner, but God does – and God will be there!

Courage is a confidence born from faith that by God’s grace and your obedience what’s ahead will be better. Marriage takes courage. Parenting takes courage. Business takes courage. Leadership takes courage. Faith takes courage. Obedience takes courage. Life takes courage! Doing the right thing takes courage. Courage is choosing to do the right thing because you believe that makes a difference, now and forever. When you live courageously, you discover a strength you did not know you possessed.

My prayer for you today is that you are courageous when courage is required.