Everyone feels fear especially when we encounter situations beyond our capacity. What makes the difference is what we do when we are afraid. Courage, therefore, is not the absence of fear but the gumption to act in spite of fear.

Unfortunately fear has kept many people back. They lack the boldness required to pursue their dreams and fulfill God’s purpose. Very few find the courage to navigate the turbulent sea of life.

The question then is, “How do I get courage from the Lord?

1. Be Sure God is Leading You. God is committed only to His projects. If He is not the Beginner, He will not be the Finisher. Don’t take assumptions. God will give you courage if He is the source of the adventure. Consult the Lord.

2. Analyze the Situation. Sometimes, we are afraid because we have not done a detailed analysis of the situation. Mountains become mole hills when we do a critical examination. We will begin to see that the case is not as bad as we have envisioned. Courage grows as we take time to meditate and see the situation with God’s perspective.

3. Think of the Worst Case Scenario. Ask, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” This immediately births courage. This was what the four lepers at the gate of Samaria did. They were ready for the worst and they move with courage not knowing that when they decided to act, God also decided to act on their behalf. 2 Kings 7:3-8

4. Look at the Gains. Of Jesus Christ, the Scripture tells us that, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”  Hebrews 12:2.  Jesus courageously endured the cross for us because of the joy set before Him. The gains far outweigh the pains. If we too can focus on the gains, it can motivate us and generate courage within us to take action and move.

5. Be Inspired by the Story of the Courageous. Nothing inspires us like stories of men like us who did the unthinkable.  Hebrews 11 is the hall of fame of such men who acted on behalf of God despite their fear.

6. There is no other place where we can generate courage like staying in God’s presence in prayer. The apostles were threatened by the Jews because of the gospel but they went to pray. After they prayed, “…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” Acts 4:31.  Perhaps, you are still fearful because you have not prayed.

7. Stand on His Promises. As long as Peter was standing on the words of Jesus to come on the waters, he never sank. But when he shifted his stand, he began to sink Matthew 14:28-31. His word is our anchor. It generates courage as often as we read it.

Courageous living is not negotiable. We need courage if we will prevail in life. It is also a command that we have to obey. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9.

Why Do Christians and Non Christians Need Help From God?

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