How to Take Courage

May 28, 2021

As night fell, the boat was in the middle of the lake and Jesus was alone on land. The wind was against the disciples and He could see that they were straining at the oars, trying to make headway. When it was almost morning, Jesus came to them . . . He said to them at once, “Don’t yield to fear. Have courage. It’s really me—I Am!” Mark 6:47-50 TPT

1. RECHARGE your spirit. Jesus’ words are spirit and life (John 6:63). We know that when life gets dry, the living waters of God can turn things around. Jesus often went away to pray and get with God. Take time to wait upon the Lord. Spend time with Him and watch yourself gain new strength!

2. REFUSE to worry, but pray about everything. The wind of adversity is part of the fallen human condition – so don’t be surprised or tempted to quit when you encounter a fiery ordeal. Instead, take courage! God is an ever-present help in time of need. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is with you always, even to the ends of the age.

3. REPLACE the oppression mindset by fixing your mind on Jesus. If you’re dealing with oppression and trials, or
going through a mourning process, turn your eyes to the One who has His eyes on you, even in the darkest situations. If you’ve grown weary or dull or feel like you’re straining at the oars, remember this: Jesus said to have courage — so reach out and take it. When you trade heaviness or sorrow for a garment of praise, you will receive renewal and anointing.

cour·age, n
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.

Press on,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2021 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.“Assured.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assured. Accessed 20 May. 2021.“Courage.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from Mark: Miracles and Mercy, The Passion Translation, copyright © 2015. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC, Racine, Wisconsin, USA. All rights reserved.