Today’s message is not just about courage; it focuses more on the beliefs and behaviors for developing courage.
Let’s take a look at the book of Joshua chapter 1, which will be our Bible text. Verse 6&7:
(6). Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (7). Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
The phrase “good courage” in verse 6 charges us with an inner quality to confront danger and difficulty with calmness, confidence, strength and trust, without any form of fear. Even in the face of real or imagined fear, courage is the boldness to speak or act fearlessly.
When God commands us to fear not, and to have courage, He doesn’t simply command it with no reason behind it.
In Gen 15:1 – God said to Abraham, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
God backs his word with an unwavering assurance; He is interested in the affairs of your life, and He knows you need courage to continually stay strong while walking the journey of life.
Let’s look at the Must-Have Beliefs for Developing Courage:
Belief is simply our mental attitude towards something. Beliefs are convictions. Generally, beliefs are shaped by our experiences, environment, and people in our network.
Some of the ways to develop courage requires that you must believe that:
1. Friendship with the Holy Spirit is important:
One major attribute that was bestowed upon the disciples when Jesus ascended to heaven was Courage. Those who were terrified became fearless and had the boldness to face the crowd and preach (Acts 2).
Anyone can talk about courage or how to develop courage; the place of the Holy Spirit is to discern. Boldness without discernment can lead to foolish and risky behavior, that is why you need the Holy spirit for direction.
2. Faith is Essential/Important:
We need to understand that Faith comes by hearing. So, in developing faith/courage; you must be careful of what you allow to pass through the gateway of your ears.
To develop the courage to face your goliath like David, to develop the courage to overcome obstacles like Joshua, you must believe in the necessity of faith. Faith in God’s ability to keep His promises. Faith in God’s capacity to do what He says He will do. Faith in God’s faithfulness that He cannot lie. He cannot set you up for failure.
3. Following the path of Obedience is Important:
Obedience is instrumental as a belief in developing courage. Many times, we don’t understand God’s way fully until you have taken the first step; and God is always in the habit of only showing you the first step. And He will always give you the assurance that He will be with you.
Moses obeyed to go forward in front of the red sea; he showed an unprecedented level of courage. Obedience must be absolute and must be on time.
Now let’s look at the Must-Haves Behaviors for Developing Courage.
Your beliefs and behaviors must align. To develop courage, you must behave in ways that shows that you…
1. see God bigger than your problems:
According to Jer. 32:27 – “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
How you behave in a way that shows that you esteem God over your challenges is to see God bigger than your problems.
2. don’t feel discouraged to pursue recovery:
Always remember that failure is not fatal. Don’t feel it is too late.
According to (1Sam 30: 1- 31)
(1). The Amalekites had invaded the city of Ziklag and burned it with fire, (2). And had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.
In verse 6, “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
And in verses 18 & 19, (18). So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. (19). And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.
It is possible to recover all.
In conclusion, the reason why you must build courage is because there are people that their role in life is to be a serpent in your way. People whose intention is to see you come down at all costs and by all means.
You must therefore be courageous to bruise their head.
Say this word of prayer: Lord Jesus help me to stay courageous as I journey in life.
