BE ENCOURAGED
En-courage-ment - The Power to be Courageous
Fred Schwenk

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer (be encouraged*); I have overcome the world.

* These words added by author

Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

So, do you feel courageous?  Maybe?  Maybe not.  But, quite possibly you are confused about this entire subject.  Here is what I mean . . .

First let's define courage.

Courage - The ability to act in spite of fear, knowing that your power comes from JESUS through you!

If you can accept this definition, you can now admit that you can be courageous without feeling courageous!  Don't confuse courage with confidence.  Confidence may come after repeated acts of courage, but it is not necessary.

Most of the heroes of our time say the same thing when interviewed.  Goes like this:  "Yes, I was afraid, but I saw the need and did what was needed."

So, courage involves doing what is needed regardless of our feelings.  The reason we appear courageous when we do so is that no one knows what we are feeling.  Others only see our actions.

The reason JESUS wanted Paul to write the Scripture above is to let us know that our strength comes from HIM!  HE is working through us.  So we can be confident that what we need will be supplied as we act.

This is true about life-risking situations, but it is just as true of the things we face every day.  Raising children, being children, holding a job, facing pressure at the job or at school, serving the LORD . . .  We all face enormous challenges every step of our Walk.

Courage is the ability to continue that walk, in spite of our fear.  The pressure is on from all sides to quit!  That is the only way to lose in this life.  That is what the enemy tries to make you do.

Just don't do it!  Realize that the same power that raised JESUS from the dead is in you.  Have courage!

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"And may the warm
 winds of heaven
 blow softly upon you and may the GREAT
 SPIRIT make sunrise
 in your heart."

 -Cherokee blessing-

 

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