“Be courageous . . the Lord your God will go ahead of you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
“Courage does the right thing with no requirement of reward no regard for cost.”
My thoughts and comments today are about “confidence and courage.”
Things don’t always go the way you plan; relationships do not always endure as you wish. Situations are not always what you hope; explanations don’t come when you want. In such times, at all times, life is best when lived with courage.
Listen to Moses’ encouraging word to Israel when facing a future uncertain to them but not to their God; “Be strong and courageous . . the Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT. Your God who “goes ahead of you” will also be there with you. Your confidence that God “will go ahead of you and not fail or forsake you ” provides you courage to be strong and not afraid.” Read Isaiah 43:19 NIV.
Courage is a choice you make. In varying degrees, everyday life demands some measure of courage. A little bit here; a lot there. You bravely face your fear for the greater good that’s ahead, often for others’ benefit more than your own. There are those whose occupation requires great courage, such as firefighters, policemen, and soldiers. But ordinary people show courage every day as well. People face decisions and diagnoses with no promise of how their situation will turn out. In such times, David sang, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
Courage is a character strength you develop. Strong and courageous are not things you suddenly are. They are qualities of character that grow over time and with experience. They are developed through many – as well as mini – choices you make along the way, many of them small but all of them right, until a situation arises that requires that you do what is right, though there is a consequence or personal price to pay. Courage does the right thing with no requirement of reward nor regard for cost. Courage will not let you flinch from a sacrifice the right choice may demand.
Courage is a conviction you hold. Why? Because when you don’t know what is ahead, God does. There are times when people need courage just to get up in the morning, when life hasn’t been kind to them lately. A doctor’s diagnosis was not what they wanted to hear; the employer was downsizing rather than promoting. Life does not allow you the chance to prepare exactly for what is ahead. Life would be more manageable, but a lot less exciting.
In the most devastating personal experience of my life, the Lord spoke to my heart a wondrous promise, “Your strength will equal your days.” Deuteronomy 33:25 NIV. I realized I did not worry about the demands of the days; however, I did fear the failure of my strength. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in (your) weakness.” The conviction of God’s strength and sufficient grace puts courage in my soul still today.
Courage is a confidence born of faith. By God’s grace and with your obedience, whatever is ahead will be graced. Marriage takes courage. Parenting takes courage. Business takes courage. Leadership takes courage. Obedience takes courage. Doing the right thing takes courage. Everyday life takes courage. A confident faith lets you choose to do the right thing because you believe that makes a difference, now and forever.
My prayer for you today is that you find your courage in God in the tough times.