Courage By Faith - 4-12-20

Are you facing something in your life where you are not feeling courageous ? Are you facing difficulties with fear ?

Courage refers to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face difficulties without fear:

Faith is complete trust or confidence in God.

How does one feel & become courageous? THRU FAITH IN JESUS!

MATTHEW 8:26 KJV And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

The Lord does not look at our outward appearance to decide whether we are called to do a certain work for the Kingdom of God. It’s our HEART God is looking for. Just like when David was Anointed King, God already knew he would face temptations and tribulations as we all do. Seven of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel before they sent for David. When David was brought in from tending the sheep, God said, THIS IS THE ONE! David was anointed King and reigned forty years over Israel.

Scripture Reference 1 Samuel 16:7-13

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.”

10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.”

11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Scripture Reference 1 Kings 2:10-11

10Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.

11 He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. Was David perfect? No! But he had a Heart for God & his Faith in GOD gave him courage when he was faced with difficulties. For example, when he marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites. They told David that he could not get in and even the blind and lame could fight him off. If David did not have faith in God, he would not have captured the City of David and reigned over Israel for 40 years.

Scripture Reference 2 Samuel 5:6,7

6 The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.”

7 Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David. As long as we have Faith that God will never forsake us, we should face all things with courage and without fear! Believing that GOD’S GOT US! I believe that we all have a calling on our lives that God has chosen for us. No matter how big or how small it may seem, if God has spoken to you about stepping out in Faith; being courageous for the Kingdom of God, be obedient… be Fearless! Always have Faith in God and His word. God gives us a spirit of power not fear!

Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I read a quote this week- God puts dreams in your heart that are bigger than you are so that you will rely on HIM and His Power! What this says to me is when God puts a dream or desire in your heart, you must seek Him first and rely on his voice and power to give you the courage and strength to do the things He has called you to do. Sometimes what we think our calling or our purpose is, may not be that at all. And sometimes the calling on our lives scare us more than anything. But again, God does not give us the spirit of fear and fear is a LIAR! We must have FAITH that God will provide the courage we need to fulfill our God given dreams and purposes. And In all things, give God the Glory! A final note on this Easter Sunday. Remember Jesus died for us so that thru Him we shall have eternal life. God bless you all!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV

John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. NKJV

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. NKJV Lenora Vance