Here are four ways you can get your courage back
Have you ever had the feeling of being overwhelmed, fearful of the worst, looking impossibility right in the face?
“Take courage.”
That little phrase was given over and over to people in Christ’s ministry. It sounds like something you should reach out your hand and “take it.”
Whether it was deadly storms on the sea, chronic diseases that would not go away, or being let down through a roof to be healed: “take courage.”
Here is what courage means to me and how I strengthen myself when I feel I am failing:
“Courage” comes from “heart-age”
The French word for “couer” is “heart.” Some translations even translate this phrase, “take heart.”
Your heart can collapse when you get a bad report.
You are going to have to “strengthen your heart,” your soul, the part of you that wants to give up.
“Trust in the Lord with all your HEART and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6).
Courage comes from speaking.
God told Joshua to “be strong and very courageous.” Then, he said, “This book of the Law will not depart out of your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night…” (Joshua 1: 8)
Courage is engaged with your mouth. When you ears hear and your heart hears the promises of God coming out of your mouth, it produces “COURAGE!”
David ran across the field to attack Goliath and as he did he was speaking the promises of God: “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head” (1 Sam. 17: 46). And he DID!
Courage comes from “taking”
“Take courage” is imperative. It is a command. God is full of courage, boldness, hope, and cheerfulness. However, He cannot force it upon you. You have to TAKE IT.
“Pity-parties” get you nowhere. If you are waiting on God to give you courage, HE IS WAITING ON YOU! Jesus has conquered every demon, every problem, every foe.
Rise up and TAKE COURAGE. Say it out loud, “I have courage now. I receive God’s Divine courage. I am not fearful or afraid of bad news. My heart is established in courage. My enemies are defeated.”
Courage comes from “purpose.”
Paul lost all courage on the ship in the Mediterranean. Two weeks of no sun or stars, howling wind and waves made it appear that all hope was lost.
Then, an angel appeared to him and told him he MUST stand before Caesar. “Purpose gave him courage.”
“So take courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.” (Acts 27: 25)
God has a plan for your life. Grab on to that purpose like a life jacket. Purpose will give you courage when you feel all is lost.
“TAKE COURAGE!”