Courage–what is it?

So let me ask, what is courage?

The dictionary defines it as: Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. I define it this way: Courage is the ability to move forward in the face of things that are fearful but all the while you are trusting in God to have His will be done.

The Word of God tells us that we need to have courage! Look at Joshua chapter 1. There are four times in this chapter where Joshua is told to be strong and courageous. In verse 9 of Joshua 1 we read this: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

We need to align ourselves with God. Follow what he tells us to do. When things do not go our way, we need to not be afraid or dismayed. Why? Because of this: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. This is where we find our courage. This is where we find the strength to face those things which are fearful for us. The fact is that when we align our lives with God then He is with us wherever we go. It comes down to the fact that we need to be aligned with God and when we are, we know He is with us, and we know we can make it through! 

So let me ask you:  do have courage?  Do you have the ability to move forward in the face of things that are fear but you are trusting in God to have His will be done?  Do you see the connection between courage and having a life aligned with God?  How would you define courage?

Your turn.