Am I living with Courage?

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:8-9 (NLT)

Courage has been defined as the ability to control your fear. The Bible is very clear that fear is the exact opposite of faith and the two cannot coexist. In general, we are controlled by fear when we find ourselves in a situation without control. The realization that we cannot control the situation leads us to focus our full attention on all that we cannot control. Being overwhelmed and focusing primarily on all that we cannot control, we are consumed by worry, which feeds the fear. How can we stop this cycle?

Enter Courage...

Courage to take the first step of faith.
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on water."  "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT)

Courage to trust your Heavenly Father while executing His plan.
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" - Matthew 14:30-31 (NLT)

Courage to believe that the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Sovereign and Immutable God of all creation holds you securely in the palm of His hand.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

Courage to understand that nothing touches the child of God that is not allowed by God for their good and His glory.
"But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his words more than daily food. But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does. So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. - Job 23:10-14 (NLT)

Courage to know that Jesus has overcome the world.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NLT)

Courage to control what you can control.
Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. - Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NLT)

O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe him, and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace- Helen Lemmel

Be Encouraged to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you execute His plan.

-Jeffrey Thornton