Courage, it’s a word that we tend to associate with the cowardly lion from the “Wizard of Oz.”  All the cowardly lion ever wanted in life was the ability to stand up and be strong, face his fears with no worries or regrets.  His only desire was to have “Courage”.  Do you ever feel like all you need is just a little courage?  If only I was just a little more courageous I could do…

Throughout the Bible, the word courage or courageous is prefaced with the words, “Be strong.”  Joshua 1:7-9 says, “Be strong and very courageous.  . . .Have I not commanded you, Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua goes on to say in chapter 10 verse 25, “. . .Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Be strong and courageous. 

I want to share with you a story of a woman who was strong and showed tremendous courage in the midst of a great tragedy.  A dear friend’s brother passed away just days before Christmas 2011 in an automobile accident car. He was the only one in the accident, his wife and children were home.  His wife, a woman of great faith took the call regarding the accident and then had to share the unimaginable with their children.  

 Days later, I had the opportunity to attend his memorial service.  It was at the end of the service that my dear friend’s sister-in-law stood up in front of the congregation who had gathered to honor her husband.  She spoke only a few words, but they were quite powerful and courageous.  

The first words she said as she gazed out into the faces of those attending the service was, “God is good.”  Now I must admit that those words took me by surprise, you see she not only just lost her husband, but the father of their three children ages, 13, 10 and 8.  As I sat there listening to her, I thought to myself, how can she say that God is good, how did she have the courage to face this tragedy.  And yet, I later learned that this family had seen the hands of God at work even in the midst of death.  He had been faithful to them, he had provided for them, he had cared for them in ways that only this family could know for sure were from the hands of God.

Be Strong and of Good Courage

I  wonder how often do we as parents share with our children that even during trying times, even when we can’t see past today, God is still at work, He has a plan and a purpose.  God  is good!  Our job is to “Be strong and of good courage.”  He will see us through.

Take time today to talk to your child(ren), about having courage, perhaps even say, “I know it took a lot of courage for you to do . . ., I’m so proud of you.”  

Courage is a character trait that needs to be nurtured and encouraged.  Even as adults there are times when it takes a great deal of courage just to put one foot in front of the other and make it out the door and face the world.

Today more than ever we are confronted with being courageous, whether you are on the front lines fighting this Covid-19 virus, or just trying each day to get out of bed and live without fear of the unknown.  We have an opportunity each day to be courageous in spite of the uncertainties of life.  It takes a great deal of courage to put on that mask, head out the door to work, shop or practice social distancing to gather with friends but most importantly it takes courage to parent during this pandemic.  

Be encouraged from these words written by Paul in the New Testament, 

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.”

I Corinthians 16:13-14

He tells followers of Jesus to be on their guard, things will happen and you will need your faith to see you through.  Be a person that shows great strength even in the midst of pain or suffering.  Be strong, be willing to step out of your comfort zone to face an obstacle that you have been avoiding.  And of course, do everything out of love for one another!  “Love is all you need!”

Be strong and courageous today, God is good and He is with you!

Peace be with you and Have a Happy Day!