Got Courage?

What is the definition of courage?
"Bold as a lion"?
Depends which lion you're talking about:


Hey.. the Cowardly Lion knew his stuff... he wasn't simply acting tough!

Here's the official definition:
cour·age
n. The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence, and resolution; bravery.

For the follower of Christ, courage is key.
But don't sweat it.
God has given us plenty of information about Himself and His ways in the Bible to help us take courage no matter what we face in life.
He loves it when we trust Him despite the odds, or even despite what other people may say.

As the Israelites prepared to go into the Promised Land, they needed a leader now that Moses was gone.
God chose Joshua.
He was a brave guy.
Don't forget he was one of the 12 spies who checked out the land 40 years earlier and said.. "We can take this land despite the strong people in it. And it's because God is with us!"

Only Caleb agreed.
The rest said "No way."
That cost them a 40 year not-so-scenic detour in the wilderness, by the way.

But isn't it interesting that God still had to encourage Joshua before the big move?

Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV) 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 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."

If Joshua needed a lift, I know I do!!!
What about you?
The God who was with Joshua is with you.. right now.
He hasn't changed.

If you're running low on courage ask Him for a big dose of it.
It shows the Lord that you're depending on His power and not your own.
That's right where he wants you.