God, Our Source for Courage

Courage is a character trait required for reaching personal goals. In the movie, To Hell and Back, Audie Murphy held back German soldiers during World War II while the men under his command retreated to safety. Courage, an innate part of Murphy’s character was responsible for his becoming the most decorated soldier of that war.

Several years ago as I was filling my gas tank, a man jumped out of his car with angry, blazing eyes determined to teach me a lesson for taking too much time at the pump. My impulse was to jump into my truck. Instead, I turned and faced him. He suddenly stopped and walked back to his car. Perhaps the presence of God was apparent.

Only when Samson believed death was undeniable, did he cry out to God for help. God waits patiently for us to realize that he is our source, not only for courage to meet the challenges of each day, but for all our needs as well. God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.”   

_______________________ 

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life.

~Ephesians 6:14-16 The Message

_______________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Courage Required – God Will Deliver

In times of uncertainty, courage based on faith in God’s goodness and provision is required to overcome anxiety and worry. The Greek philosopher Aristotle listed courage first among the four virtues necessary for happiness and success. The other three were self-control, justice and practical wisdom.

According to C. S. Lewis courage, an integral part of these virtues,  becomes apparent only as it is tested. In the Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage, a young soldier faces his first battle. As he calls on every ounce of courage he can muster, fear overtakes him, and he’s compelled to run away and hide.

When Samson was persuaded to surrender and face his enemy, he realized death was imminent and only God could deliver him. Instantly, a glimmer of transforming faith took place based on courage rather than self-pride and arrogance. It takes consent and courage to allow God to change you, so with praise and thanksgiving, do that now.  

______________________ 

Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him.

~Psalm 28:6-7 The Living Bible

_______________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

God, Giver of Confidence

 It takes confidence to be courageous, for confidence encompasses more than intelligence, social skills or physical strength. When Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Hebrew people, he inherited a task that would require patience and wisdom far beyond what he could humanly produce.

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, to obey all of the commandments he gave to Moses. God promised to constantly be with him, which became Joshua’s source of confidence and courage for completing the task God gave him. Unlike Joshua, Samson's confidence derived from his own physical strength. 

Samson did not necessarily display courage when facing an enemy.  It was more like reckless abandonment. Courage analyzes a situation whereas reckless abandonment discounts caution. Listen to St. Paul’s formula for coping with life’s challenges and uncertainty. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be people of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Happy Thanksgiving week to you.  

_____________________ 

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 Good News Bible

 

O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his lovingkindness is everlasting.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 New American Standard Bible

_____________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Standing with Moral Courage

Unexpected challenges test the depths of courage that exists in each person. The virtue of courage helps a person to stand firm even as fear screams out to flee. General Douglas MacArthur in a speech on his eighty-fourth birthday affirmed: "Moral courage, the courage of one's convictions, provides confidence to see things through.”  

Moral courage is not afraid to do or say what is right. Samson, however, was capable of risking his life and the wellbeing of his people just to satisfy his passion of the moment. He seemed to enjoy playing risk-taking, dangerous games with his enemies. Is this courage or foolish behavior? 

Courage that has a healthy foundation is based on sound judgment which contains an element of fear but is not controlled by it. Jesus demonstrated moral courage as he faced his accusers, whose main objective was his execution. God's word to you is to stand firm, be of good courage and do not give up. Happy Thanksgiving week to you. 

____________________ 

But thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm then, my dear fellow Christians, and let nothing move you. Always keep on doing a great work for the Lord since you know in the Lord your hard work isn’t wasted.

~1 Corinthians 15:57-58 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

______________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Meeting Difficult Challenges

Difficult times are unavoidable regardless of social class, wealth or race. I believe we’re expected to go out and meet the challenges and rewards of each day with courage while realizing there are risks that must be confronted. Giving thanks to God for his presence and strength to face  life’s issues produces courage to confront moral battles.

Moral courage must be supported by godly beliefs and values to prevent violating one’s conscience. Moral courage is required when danger is apparent, even overwhelming. Samson consistently exhibited courage to face his enemies but seemingly failed to thank God for his unusual strength, without which his victories would have been impossible.

He once faced an army when his only weapon was the jawbone of a donkey. His raw courage, paralleled by unusual strength from the Spirit of the Lord, gave him victory. Yet he only hesitantly accredited God for his victory. Whatever you’re facing today, thank God for being a very present help as you battle life’s issues.  

______________________ 

“Be strong! Be courageous!...Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 The Living Bible

 

Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done.

~1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Good News Bible

_________________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

What Builds Confidence?

Confidence is a character trait that sets a person apart from others. Confidence has the potential for either commanding respect and admiration or eliciting contempt and resentment. Samson exhibited a degree of self-confidence that led him to believe he was invincible. Healthy confidence believes you are God’s creation set apart by God to serve for the good of others.

Samson exhibited confidence when he allowed his countrymen to bind him and hand him over to his enemies. God's word tells us the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he picked up the jawbone of a donkey and struck down a thousand men. Listen to his prideful self-centeredness and conceit: "With the jawbone of a donkey I have made donkeys out of them."

Psalm 101:5 issues this warning: "I will get rid of anyone who whispers evil things about anyone else. I will not tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.” However, whoever humbles himself before the Lord God will never be disappointed. I thank God and praise Him for that promise. 

______________________

Christ gives us confidence in God. We can’t do anything by ourselves and so claim to produce it ourselves, but God gives us our ability.

~2 Corinthians 3:4-5 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

______________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Arrogance Feeds Immaturity

 In every society there are individuals who refuse to accept blame for conflicts or troubles they initiate. Samson avoided taking responsibility for the problems he brought on himself and the hardships he caused others. When an army of Philistines took him captive, he could not admit to the endangerment he caused to his fellow countrymen.

When an  Israeli leader asked him, "Don't you realize the Philistines have power over us?” listen to his response. "I did to them what they did to me." His attitude reflects a person who was so self-absorbed that reason and logic could not penetrate his mental and emotional mindset. Samson might have said, "What's the big deal? You seem to be the one with the problems."

Samson portrays an immature and arrogant person. It’s impossible to know if his parents promoted this attitude, but as an adult he lacked self-discipline and self-control. Our heavenly Father never fails to discipline those he loves just as earthly parents discipline their children to promote correct thinking and self-control.  

___________________

Obey the Lord and you will live a long life, content and safe from harm. Arrogance should be punished, so that people who don’t know any better can learn a lesson. If you are wise, you will learn when you are corrected.

~Proverbs 19:23,25 Good News Bible

Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy. A wise, mature person is known for his understanding.

~Proverbs 16:20-21 Good News Bible

_____________________

Subscribe to the Attitude Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.