Whatever you do, you need courage.
Wherever you go, you need courage.
Courage is at the core of leadership. There is no great leadership without great courage. The need for courage is ever-present.
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the brave resolve to face fear and go forward. Courage resists fear. To have courage is to overcome our fears rather than be controlled by them.
We need courage to face the days ahead. We live in tumultuous times. There are unknown tomorrows, tighter budgets and political instability. These are not the days for timidity. It is going to take more than a little courage to break loose from the grip of our cultures and integrate biblical principles into our work-habits. Not everyone will understand us. Some associates will think we are “the enemy.”
We need courage to listen and learn. Sometimes it takes more courage to sit down and listen attentively than to stand up and speak. Courage is needed at times to set aside our own ideas and listen to others. It certainly takes courage to see ourselves through the eyes of others.
We need courage to confront. At times our fear of people keeps us from dealing with situations that are harmful, not only to our work, but to the kingdom of God. We may need courage to say to a friend, “This relationship is not working and we need to change some things.”
We need courage to make Jesus-style decisions. Jesus had the courage to rattle the status quo. He challenged peoples’ thinking. He courageously faced the Jewish leaders of his day. He stood up against political correctness. He chose to empty himself and set aside the use of his divine powers.
And where are we going to get such courage? This kind of courage is not natural to any of us. In 2009, from time to time, we will all meet situations that arouse our fears and intimidate our abilities.
Courage comes from God’s presence. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.“ (Isaiah 43:2). In the Great Commission, Jesus promised, “Surely I will be with you always.” (Matthew 28:22).
Courage comes from God’s promises. I have always found strength in the words of Paul. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Courage comes from God’s guidance. Knowing that God is directing my steps, I have courage to walk on the path he sets before me, even when I do not understand.
Here’s what Paul said: “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…” (Acts 20:22-24). Paul was bound by the Spirit, compelled to follow the Spirit’s leadings regardless of the danger or difficulty. The Spirit’s guidance made him fearless.
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Dare to go forward with faith. Courage is evidence of trust in the Almighty God. Courage is the confidence that allows you to step out into the unknown with only the knowledge that God is with you, but that that is enough.