Courage at all costs!
Whatever you get – Get Courage!!!
“One of the best things about finally showing Courage is that you inspire those around you to do the same.” – Billy Graham
By Pastor George Lehman
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV) – David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
One thing we all agree on is; that we will all have adversity, difficulty, trails and problems. None of us are Immune to it.
If this true (and it is) should we not rather be: Building courage to overcome into our lives? (Let’s give in to Courage). Instead of looking for shortcuts and easy way outs, starting to compromise our faith.
As we taught last week difficulties and trails want to discourage you to become weary and quit. The difficulties and trails build courage and character into our lives.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (Amp) – 2And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3H humbled you and allowed you to be hungry and fed you with manna, [a substance] which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you understand [by personal experience] that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord
The things of the world we chase, is what discourages us.
As Pastor Morne shared on Paul’s courageous life:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (LB) – 16That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. 17These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! 18So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
The Apostle Peter experienced the same challenges:
1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG) – 12-13Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Paul encourages us to have courage at all cost because it will be worth it in the end.
Galatians 6:9 (LB) – And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.
Revelation 2:3 (Amp) – And [I know that] you [who believe] are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and that you have not grown weary [of being faithful to the truth.] (When we are discouraged we become unfaithful to the word of truth.)
A dessert experience always comes before the Promised Land. There is no greater reward than that which comes as a result of holding fast to the word and will of God. When we go God’s way we get God’s results.
Someone was once asked what helped you overcome the obstacles and trails and difficulties in your life? His answer, “The other obstacles.”
Great triumphs are born out of great troubles. The greater the trail the greater the victory.
1 Corinthians 10:13b (Amp) – But God is faithful [to His word-He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].
Here are a few ways to ensure you have “Courage at all cost.”
#1. You need to be real careful to avoid negative people and the atmosphere they create.
Eg: Joshua and Caleb and 10 other Israelite leaders.
#2. Always seek faithful people in times of need and discouragement to help strengthen your faith.
What will it help to hang around people who are not self-motivated, fired-up and full of the Word and living with courage?
Romans 1:12 (Amp) – That is, that we may be mutually encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
#3. Raise up your level of faith by searching the word of God for promises to build courage.
Romans 10:17 (NIV) – Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) – For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
#4. Pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) – Pray continually
Luke 18:1 (NIV) – Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Sadly many Christians when facing trails and difficulties have a tendency to give up and stop praying. This will disconnect you from Courage.
#5. Guard against small sins even habitual sins
Psalm 66:18 (NIV) – If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened
If you want to destroy your courage, just persist in wilful sin. Is that difficulty, the trail or that nagging problem a season of pruning to grow you and strengthen your faith, OR Is it coming as a result of wilful sin and disobedience?
The lack of joy and peace may be a good indicator. If you know it’s sin or disobedience apply:
1 John 1:9 (Amp) – If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].
Courage will be strengthened when you move in a positive direction.
Apply these 5 steps of obedience to your life. Having good intentions will not help you.
James 1:22 (Amp) – But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].
