Courage to Overcome

April 6, 2014

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. . . 2 Timothy 4:7-8a

1. Fight the Good Fight. Courage is the bridge between a dream and a corresponding action. It’s important to constantly refresh the original vision God has given you so that you don’t become discouraged along the way. If even Jesus had to slip away to fellowship alone with God, then we are not exempt. In the secret place we get our strength, our vision, and our purpose for the course.

2. Finish the Course. Courage is not the denial of fear; it is the conquest of it. God knows how to take a fearful Gideon and make him a warrior (Judges 6-7); how to take a young Jeremiah and give him the boldness to prophesy to the people of Israel (Jeremiah 1); and how to give you backbone to get to the other side of your battle.

3. Keep the Faith. “Now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds; it is betting your life on the unseen realities.” (Hebrews 11:1 Cotton Patch Gospel). One voice of faith can pray and stimulate change that permeates an entire people group. Whatever situation you are facing, God has strength for you to start, persevere, and finish with courage.

Daily Confession
I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I put on the whole armor of God. I’m gaining new strength. I’m getting wisdom. I’m receiving new strategy. My steps are ordered by the Lord. I’m living out my days. I’m cooperating with heaven. God’s purposes shall surely come to pass in and through my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

strength, noun – The quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way.

God bless you,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2014 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.Clarence Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospel: Hebrews and the General Epistles. Smyth & Helwys Publishing Copyright ©2011. “Strength” Merriam-Webster.com. Wed. 2 April 2014.