To understand that our courage comes from God, not from within ourselves, and it is a testament to our faith in Him, especially during challenging times.
Good morning, Church family! Today, we're diving into the deep and meaningful waters of courage.
Opening Scripture Reading – We'll be focusing on Deuteronomy 31:6, where we find instruction and encouragement on the source, strength, and significance of courage. It says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
In these uncertain times, it's easy to let fear creep in. It's easy to let worry consume us. But this passage reminds us that our courage doesn't come from within us, it comes from God. It's His strength that gives us courage, not our own. And the significance of courage? Well, it's more than just bravery or fearlessness - it's a testament to our faith in God.
I'm reminded of a quote from A.W. Tozer, a respected Christian author who once said, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." This doesn't mean that courage is gained through suffering, but rather, it's in those deep valleys of life where we find our true source of courage - God Himself.
Many people believe that courage is something that is inherent within us, something that we are either born with or not. However, as we delve into the scripture, we find that this is not the case. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that our courage comes from God, not from within ourselves. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This verse is a powerful reminder that our courage is not a product of our own strength or determination, but rather, it is a gift from God.
When we think about the source of courage, it's important to understand that it's not something we can muster up on our own. We can't simply decide to be courageous and then suddenly become so. Courage is not a character trait that we can develop or cultivate through sheer willpower. Instead, it is a divine gift, bestowed upon us by God Himself. It is His strength that fills us with courage, His presence that emboldens us to face whatever challenges come our way.
This is a comforting thought, especially in times of uncertainty and fear. When we are faced with difficulties and trials, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But the scripture reminds us that we are not alone. God is with us, and He is our source of courage. His strength is greater than any challenge we may face, and His presence is a constant reassurance that we are never alone.
Moreover, our courage is not dependent on our circumstances. It's not something that comes and goes based on how we're feeling or what we're going through. Our courage is constant, because its source, God, is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His strength never wanes, His presence never fades. Therefore, our courage, which comes from Him, is also unwavering.
Application – Understanding this truth can transform the way we face our fears and challenges. Instead of relying on our own strength, which is limited and fallible, we can lean on God's strength, which is limitless and infallible. Instead of trying to muster up courage on our own, we can turn to God, our true source of courage, and ask Him to fill us with His strength.
This requires faith and trust in God. It requires us to surrender our fears and doubts to Him, to let go of our need for control and allow Him to lead us. It requires us to believe in His promises, to trust that He is with us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Transition – This understanding of the source of courage has practical implications for our everyday lives. It changes how we approach our fears, how we handle our challenges, how we live our lives. It gives us hope in times of despair, strength in times of weakness, courage in times of fear.
Pastor – Share a personal story that illustrates how understanding God as the source of courage has impacted your life.
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