Engimatic Courage

Courage is very hard for most people to explain. It actually is a part of the human spirit but we usually define it with our conduct. The puzzling thing is how people surprise us with an action that is sometimes different from their normal behavior. For example, a quiet man “falls in love” and suddenly he will bravely defend his love even if it is something that is totally contrary to his former philosophy. During a disaster people will do inconceivable deeds and later wonder how they did such a thing. Courage takes many different forms which makes it seem mysterious. It is interesting that the original Greek New Testament does not use the word courage. (some translations may use it) Everything about our life after salvation has its source in God which means that a Christians courage comes from Jesus. This is the reason our courage is talked about differently in the Bible. One time Jesus explained it this way; Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) We can see here that our answer is found in the courage that Jesus had while he was on this earth.

One sure sign that we have godly courage is shown by our cheerfulness. The world will make comments like “how can they be cheerful at a time like this?” It is because of the inexplicable joy of the Spirit inside of us. We gained great confidence when our guilt was removed by Jesus which causes us to bubble over with happiness.  For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. Heb 13:5-6 (NLT) Our friendship with God has great value and because we feel His greatness in our soul we should boast about our Savior. As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 2 Cor 10:17 Our heart is strong when we think of our position in Christ. We can actually feel the strength of the arrangement God has made with us.

Some verses tell us that boldness to speak the Word of God is part of the courage that the Spirit gives us. Although we are given courageous attributes as gifts we are still responsible to hang-on to our courage; But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage (boldness) and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Heb 3:6 Just as cheerfulness and boldness show our courage it also is seen in other things like our hope, peace, fullness, love and rejoicing. Living with Jesus gives us a courageous life and someday it will lead to heaven. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Heb 3:14 (NLT) Remember to be faithful and courageous as we identify with the Lord. Stay cheerful because someday our spirit will take possession of all that God has promised.