How to Be Blessed By God
Take Courage

Scripture: Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

          Joshua was told to be courageous as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.  This reminds us that God did not give some mystical “spell” to Joshua in order for him to be courageous.  Courage is a decision on our part.  Joshua listened to the words of God and by faith in them, chose to move forward.  This was an act of courage.

In our scripture today, God spoke to the Apostle Paul after he had nearly been torn apart by rioters.  God simply told Paul to “take courage.”  God didn’t give it to him or anoint him with a spirit of courage.  The Apostle Paul had to decide, as we do, whether God was to be trusted.  If God could be trusted, then fear would loose its grip on Paul and courage was possible!  Did the apostle lay awake the rest of that night worrying over all the threats he had received or did the Apostle “take” courage and fall asleep assured of God’s promises?  The scripture doesn’t really tell us the answer, but I believe Paul chose courage!

As you face the “fear factors” in your life, you will have a choice to make!  The easy path leads to worry and anxiety over what might happen.  The tougher road is the path of courage.  This road is littered with the promises of God’s help and guidance that are there for the choosing, but I must choose these promises “for me” and believe them to be true.  As doubts attack, and they will, we must take courage by choice!

“Father, I will take courage today from your Word.  I will move forward with the peace and knowledge of your presence.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”