Faith and Courage — Stronger Together

The two pillars of faith and courage determine the levels of excellence and success we will achieve in virtually every area of our lives. When we possess a faith based upon strong convictions in God, we are able to draw courage from the depth of that faith to stay the course and complete our God-given assignments.

However, the longer I consider these two attributes of faith and courage, the more illusive they feel. I even begin to wonder if I understand what courage feels like, looks like, and acts like in my culture and generation.

Moses spoke it over his successor Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:6) as he passed over the leadership of a nation to the next generation. David calls out this kind of wisdom and strength in his son, Solomon (1Kings 2), as he delegates him as successor to the throne. Paul inspires the struggling first century churches with a similar message.

“Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 TPT

Most of us aren’t qualifiers as military leaders or heirs to thrones. Sadly, many of those reading this today face persecution similar to those of the recipients of Paul’s letters. They clearly understand the necessity of both faith and courage to stand strong.

What does faith and courage look like for the average person today? What does it mean in our ordinary lives? Could it be as simple as trying something new? Or maybe not giving up? Perhaps, it is speaking truth rather than remaining silent.

Faith

It is impossible for me to have courage without first holding a solid foundation of faith. My weaknesses often cause me to fail, falling flat on my face unable to get myself up again. Thankfully, the more I realize my own inability, the stronger my faith rests on God and His all sufficiency.

“Christian faith is confidence in Jesus Christ. It is confidence in his ability to bring you through every circumstance of life. I know that I will face many trials and many temptations and many circumstances of life that are too great for me. But I know that they are not too great for him. He is Lord over the darkest temptations and the strongest devils.”
(https://openthebible.org/article/what-christian-faith/)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”
2 Peter 1:3 NLT

Faith confidently knows God is who He said He is and that He will do all He promised He will do. Faith never depends on personal ability for anything, but on God’s divine power to accomplish everything. On this truth our faith rests!

The disciples of Jesus quickly learned that when we have Jesus with us, no matter how loud the storm rages or how little our faith, God will call things back into order again (Matthew 8:23-27).

Courage

I found these definitions for courage beneficial:

• mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
• the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid
• the ability to do something that frightens one
• strength in the face of pain or grief
• the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain
• the strength to do what is right and necessary, even when it’s difficult or dangerous

These definitions help us understand the importance of faith and courage to help us overcome serious and difficult situations. The scope of those circumstances will look different for each of us.

Sometimes, we face situations similar to the first followers of Jesus. They had moved in God’s divine call and walked in obedience to His will. When the night lasted too long and Jesus felt too distant, their faith and courage wavered. His first words, however, offered strength and solace.

” … Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:27

Too late! Right? Fear gripped in the dark of night and courage faded long before the dawn. Neither they, nor we, hold any guarantee on how things will eventually turn out. But here, amid uncertainty, faith and courage stand — however wavering. Side swiped by the unexpected, we may panic when the girders of faith and courage hang limp and frail. But this is not the end of the story. May we not waver on the climax of a victory Jesus already paid for in full.

Faith and Courage

Faith and courage link together again and again and again throughout our lives, forming an unbreakable chain of mental and moral strength. Through them, God gives us the grace to “persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Sometimes, we see the battle coming from ahead of time and can prepare for what’s coming. Other times, pain and hardship swipe us hard like a bear attack — fangs gaping wide and claws sweeping with swift precision. But God! He knows. He sees and comes to our aid.

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9

Most Christians have heard the last part of this verse. Oh, my dear friends! First, we stand upon the Bible, the very words of God, allowing them to penetrate our hearts and minds. They will always steady our actions and attitudes, aligning them with God’s heart and will. They will guide us to know the right way to take, even in times of confusion and pain. As we walk in obedience to Him, the Lord promises to be with us wherever we go. Oh friends, then faith and courage will hold strong.

And when we falter, we may quickly turn back to our loving Father in repentance. His mercy and faithfulness never fail.

Bless you dear warriors in the faith. Whatever the future holds, we know the One who stands with us, holding both our todays and our tomorrows.

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