The Power of Courage | Courage | Pastor Johnny Mitcham
COURAGE
The Power of Courage…
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) 9Have 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.”
Courage: the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation; the ability to do something difficult even when there’s risk.
the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.
SOUL TATTOO : Fear will immobilize you. Courage will empower you.
FEAR: The Adversary of Courage.
1. Fear of Failure
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
2. Fear of Rejection
Romans 8:31 (NIV) “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
3. Fear of Change
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
4. Fear of Uncertainty
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
5. Fear of Suffering
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Five things we need courage to do as Christ Followers:
1. Share our faith:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
2. Love our enemies:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
3. Stand up for justice:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
4. Sacrifice our comfort:
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
5. Embrace our calling:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Courage to confess your sins and struggles…
James 5:16 (NIV) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
Courage to connect in community with others.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
SOUL TATTOO : Fear will immobilize you. Courage will empower you.