FATHER spoke in Deuteronomy chapter 31:
6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Courage requires confidence in one’s resources, and FATHER is our greatest “Resource” in time of need. As we continue to dwell and meditate on HIS Word, our confidence will grow, and our courage to deal with adversity will increase. When such adversity comes knocking on our door, we will no longer be moved.
FATHER spoke in Isaiah chapter 41:
10 ”Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your GOD.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
The word courage comes from the Latin word “cor” meaning heart and is defined: fearlessness, audacity, boldness, strength in the face of pain or grief. When we begin to walk with and listen to FATHER, we become of good courage as we are confronted with opposition to HIS Word. We know HIS power, strength, and authority are behind every move we make and every word we speak. Our past failures no longer matter, and any perceived weakness is no longer given any thought.
Courage isn’t needed when things are going well, and all are at peace. FATHER reassures us to be of good courage only when we are being prepared to face upcoming challenges. As believers we are told to fear not for FATHER is with us. Though we may be uncertain about the situation we are in, FATHER has no uncertainty found within HIM thus as we place our trust IN HIM and in the Blood of HIS Son, peace and joy rise up in our heart. Jesus addressed worry and fear in in Luke chapter 12:
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.
23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?
25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
Jesus told us there is no need for anxiety and fear to rule our lives. As we come to know HIM and HIS Character of Love, we will realize FATHER will supply all our need according to HIS riches, not ours. We must not fret about what tomorrow will bring because FATHER is with us and already knows our future needs. As we rest IN HIM our fears, uncertainties, and doubts dissipate, and peace floods our soul.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 8:
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Fear and anxiety put us into bondage whereas courage and faith break those chains. Let us go forth this year not only in faith, but great faith. Let us be of good courage as we face circumstances which will challenge us but let us be strong in our faith and trust in FATHER. We have HIS Holy Spirit residing on the inside of us WHO will lead us through whatever adversities lie ahead. Let us be full of joy and peace as our Love and faith excel in producing good fruit this year. We will go through adversity but the question is what will be our state of mind as we face adversity, faith or fear? Anxiety or joy? It is our choice. Be of good courage!