Courage (1)
“Act with courage.”
2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV
The English word for courage comes from the French word coeur, which means ‘heart’. That’s why we say, “Don’t lose heart.”
The truth is: (1) It takes courage to face the truth about yourself. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). But before the truth sets us free it usually puts us through the wringer, because the truth about ourselves is not something we like hearing. (2) It takes courage to change when staying as you are feels more comfortable. If you’re willing to leave your security zone, step out in faith and follow God, you’ll be tested. But you’ll also reach heights you thought were beyond you. And you’ll go further than others who possess greater talent than you do. (3) It takes courage to stand for your convictions when you know they’ll be challenged. Any time you’re willing to stand for something, or try something, somebody will take a shot at you. A 19th century author wrote, “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon there’s always someone to tell you you’re wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action, and follow it to the end, requires the same courage a soldier needs. Peace has its victories but it takes brave men to win them.” When Nehemiah’s enemies threatened him he said, “Should a man like me run away?…I will not” (Neh 6:11 NIV). As a result he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in a record 52 days and got a book in the Bible named after him. How’s that for courage?
Courage (2)
“Act with courage.”
2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV
When it comes to acting with courage you’ll notice:
(1) Courage usually involves getting it wrong before you get it right. It’s easy to be brave where you’re strong; it’s much more difficult where you’re weak. That’s when you need courage most. General Omar Bradley remarked, “Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.” We mistakenly believe that learning is passive, that we learn by reading a book or listening to a speaker. No, the learning process is summarised in these five steps: 1. Observe. 2. Act. 3. Evaluate. 4. Readjust. 5. Go back to step two.
(2) Courage always takes the ‘high road’. Jesus said, “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matt 5:39 NIV). Dr. James B. Mooneyham writes, “When we keep score of wrongs committed against us, we reveal a lack of maturity. Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.’ Those who do not forgive are persons who have not yet learned this truth, and they are usually unsuccessful people. If you wish to improve this area of your life, here are some things that should help. First, practise forgiving. Second, think good thoughts of those persons; it’s difficult to have hostile feelings toward one in whom you see good. Finally, let people know through your actions that you can forgive and forget. This will gain respect for you. Remember this: committing an injury puts you below your enemy; you can get even with him; but forgiving him sets you above.”
Courage (3)
“Act with courage.”
2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV
Paul writes, “For all things are for your sakes…Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor 4:15-17 TNKJ).
Note the words, “we do not lose heart.” Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way. And God’s Word teaches us that we should expect nothing less. H.G. Wells asked, “What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn’t stand in his way?” Why would he make such a comment? Because adversity is our friend, even though it doesn’t feel that way. Each obstacle we overcome teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses. It shapes us, makes us wiser and more confident. The greatest people in history were those who faced the most difficult challenges with courage, and rose to the occasion.
That was certainly true of Winston Churchill. In his book American Scandal, Pat Williams writes about Churchill’s last months. He says in 1964 President Eisenhower went to visit the former Prime Minister. Eisenhower sat by the bold-spirited leader’s bed for a long period of time, neither speaking. After ten minutes, Churchill slowly raised his hand and painstakingly made the ‘V’ for victory sign which he had so often flashed to the British people during the war. Eisenhower, fighting back tears, pulled his chair back, stood up, saluted him and left the room. To his aide out in the hallway, Eisenhower said, “I just said goodbye to Winston, but you never say farewell to courage.”
