Essence to Inspire

Courage, what exactly does it mean?

Definitions from The Oxford Languages dictionary include “the ability to do something that frightens one” and “Strength in the face of pain or grief”.

How many of us have gone through or are going through a time of pain or grief? How many of us have something staring us in the face that scares us? I guess that’s a rhetorical question… especially given the year we’ve all gone through. So let me ask you a non-rhetorical question, where are you getting your strength from? Where are you deriving your courage from?

In the Bible, courage means “good cheer” and the Greek translation literally means “boldness and confidence”. Courage is the opposite of fear but dare I say courage is NOT the absence of fear, it’s the tenacity to face impossible situations despite the sometimes paralyzing fear and anxiety that torments us.

So, let me ask you this again, where are you deriving your courage from?

In every incidence where God commands to “be of good cheer”, the reason for it is God Himself.

Certainly, He places people around us to encourage and support us, but who do we turn to when these folks go home? What words are we meditating on when friends and family have no words left to say?

From Hagar in the wilderness (Genesis 21:17) to Mary pregnant out of wedlock (Luke 1:30), these women found solace in God’s words. “Fear not, for I am your shield”. “Fear not for…I am the One who helps you.” “Do not fear…for you have found favour with God” (Luke 1:30). “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26).  “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

So sweet sis, can I encourage you to ascribe these words to yourself? Can I plead with you to make these statements your mantra today and see the great things you might accomplish in spite of your fears?

Sending you so much love from the EOBC team.

Xoxoxoxo.