A Courageous Life
EPHESIANS 1:18-21

When we recognize God's presence with us, courage starts to develop in us. It grows as we draw on His strength.

Without God's enabling power, hardship and stress will drain us emotionally and hurt us physically. Such depletion leaves us spiritually vulnerable to Satan's attacks. After 40 years of wandering, the nation of Israel was in such a state. They should have believed the two spies who trusted in the Lord's presence and power to help them. Instead, however, they allowed their weakness to sway them, and they sided with the remaining ten spies, who claimed the Canaanite obstacles were too great (Numbers 13:26-32)

In contrast, Paul faced the Roman tribunal after enduring great hardship but was not dismayed because God stood with him and strengthened him. In fact, Paul discovered that the Lord's power in his life reached its peak when he was at his lowest point. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Times of helplessness and weakness are in reality opportunities to receive an abundance of divine power. (Philippians 4:13)

Being yielded to God's purposes is the final element in developing courage. Paul knew God had a plan for every event in his life—even the hardest ones. He stayed committed to the assignments God had given him.

Instead of seeking a way out of trials, accept God's way as Paul did, and you'll find courage welling up from within. Imagine yourself standing next to God, drawing on His strength, and fulfilling His desires. That is a picture of courage.

Charles Stanley

Intouchministries.com