The first thing to know when trying to find your courage, is that you will only begin to find your courage when you are first afraid. Because of fear, we seek to escape the feeling of fear, and only through courage do we begin that path to eliminating fear from our emotions through faith. When facing odds, it is fear that leads you to believe that you cannot overcome that obstacle. How do you overcome it? It starts with faith. The faith that God is with you should always be an encouragement that no obstacle is too great. Think about it. When you conquer an obstacle by doing it God’s way, other’s are watching you conquer it. People around you get a chance to see God in action; God will get the glory. So of course He wants to be there for you to overcome your obstacles.
cour·age noun 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
”Idiom 2. have the courage of one’s convictions, to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism.
So when fear is present, you begin with believing that you can do it. Once you have this belief, that is when you begin to chase your courage. Your path to courage takes you away from the mindset that you are not capable. Imagine being the one told by God, that as soon as you have become a leader, that you must lead people to face one of the most successful armies in the land, and that would be the only way to possess your promise? That is where we find Joshua. But God encouraged him with these words.
Joshua 1:5-9
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
To encourage is to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence. Our path to courage becomes a successful path when our spirit and God’s Spirit are one, and thus we have the confidence that is more than a conqueror’s confidence. Why? Because of the faith and confidence that no one can defeat God, and with God on our sides who shall come against us? So when you feel fear, it is okay. Because fear is what will eventually lead you to find your courage. Courage begins with fear; and securing courage eliminates fear. Do it God’s way, and you’ll never have reason to fear anything anymore.
His humble servant,
Brother Kelvin
