One of the most difficult things in life to obtain is more courage. I’ll never forget one of the most courageous things I did in my life, the moment I asked my wife to marry me. It was a warm summer day and I was more nervous than I had ever felt in my life. We went for a drive on a hill in the center of Eugene, Oregon, and with the ring in my hand I pulled the car over and I couldn’t wait any longer. This would be the moment that changed us for the rest of our lives. I got down on one knee in front of my car and asked Summer to marry me. I knew she loved me, but I was still scared of that moment! Three children and eighteen years later, it was one of the best courageous decisions I have made in my life.
One small decision can turn you from a spiritual slacker to a superhero!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 ESV
But what I have always been fascinated by are the different circumstances that cause us to make courageous or cowardly decisions. In the bible Joshua had to choose how he was going to lead the people. Either he was going to lead with boldness or he was going to shrink from the task of leadership.
You may even be facing a decision RIGHT NOW that you feel will make or break you. Shrink from the moment and you will surely not receive all that is possible in your life, but seize the moment and you will begin to really live and understand the character of God. Remember, God is a courageous God and the thing he wants to protect you from is complacency. But there is a fine line between courage and carelessness. I’m not telling you to be foolish, but it’s time to TAKE A RISK and make a courageous choice in your life. Here’s why…
4 Reasons to Make A Courageous Decision
#1 Courage Deepens Your Connection With God – Courage actually creates dependency. When all you have is God, it’s amazing how close you become. When you first came into a relationship with God, you didn’t have all the answers, so what makes you think you will have the answers now? Life is often full of questions more than answers, and the unanswered questions, even in the circumstances of uncertainty, can draw us closer into dependance on God. Don’t think that by taking risks you are immediately going to get answers either. But if you decide intentionally to seek out the answer, in due time, Jesus will show you.
#2 Courage Gives You Hope – Courageous people are hopeful people. The courage it takes to cut a credit card to start getting out of debt. The courage it takes to say I’m sorry when you are obviously wrong. The courage to let go of the past and forgive others. The courage it takes to give of your finances, even when you don’t see where the rest of the money is coming from. Making courageous decisions is the gateway to hope and will make you a leader!
#3 Courage Changes Your Perspective – Courage gives you God’s vision. Making courageous decisions will cause you to see things in ways you have never seen before. I don’t want to live my life asking, “what if?” I would much rather make a few mistakes and sense the power and presence of God at work in my life. I want to be refined failure and learn to hear God’s voice. If you want a different take on life, start acting courageously.
#4 Courage Is Contagious – Your courage inspires courage! One of my desires for 217church is to create a culture of courage. Courage should always be about the greater good of the people around us. Courage is not about us! It’s about others catching the vision to start trusting God and making bold steps in their lives. This means when we see one person making bold choices, it causes us to want to make bold choices. If nothing else, seeing one courageous act can cause us to reflect on our own need for courage.
I’m not sure what you are facing today, but whatever courageous step you need to take, it’s time to Take A Risk and make it happen!
Josh
What is one way to increase your courage? Make a commitment to a 217group and start seeing God work in others lives over long periods of time. You will grow more in a group than you will on your own. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) You can learn more about our 217groups in New Jersey and Southeastern PA and get involved with one here!