What is Courage? Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you, it’s strength in the face of pain or grief. We all know the story of the cowardly lion in the “Wizard of Oz.” A lion is supposed to be the King of the Jungle, but instead this lion was scared of his own shadow. He eventually found his way to the wizard who gave him a so called magic potion that made him courageous which led him to do courageous things for his friends. Eventually he found out the so-called magic potion was not magical, the courage he displayed was with him all the time.

No matter how big you are or how small you are, we can all be courageous in our own way.

We are not always brave, in fact, life can be downright scary, sometimes to the point where you may want to run and hide, but don’t! We serve a powerful God who strengthens and girds us, but unlike the wizard, the courage He gives us is not false. Our God is a mighty God and despite the many obstacles that come our way, with Him by our side no weapon shall prosper.

When you feel you are not strong enough, do not have enough courage to get through, reflect on the following versus and know that Jesus is always there waiting for you to invite Him in.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.

(NLT) Hebrews 13:5-6 For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (NKJV) Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons can be reached at marysimmons@ embarqmail.com