Courage in the Face of Hardship
August 26, 2010

Courage is the ability to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear. And because life presents us with difficulty, danger and pain we all have opportunities to demonstrate courage. Like when we face the prospect of failing a test, losing a job, hearing back from the doctor about a suspicious growth, discovering one of our kids is using drugs, or a host of other potential problems or losses. Such difficulties can evoke the kind of fear that cripples our faith and freezes our ability to act wisely and decisively.

If you, or someone you know, is currently encountering a fear provoking hardship, an infusion of courage may be needed. Because like fear, courage is contagious.

The night before his death Jesus met with his disciples in a secluded room in downtown Jerusalem. Aware that they would soon be on their own, he made a promise aimed at busting their fear and bolstering their courage. Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18).

Throughout the Bible God bolstered the confidence of fearful leaders with the promise of his presence. When Moses indicated reluctance to lead the Hebrew people to freedom, God said, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

A generation later, when Joshua took the mantel of leadership, he stood alone. Moses, his mentor, was gone. So were most of his friends. Joshua was an old man faced with the challenge of driving the better-armed Canaanites from their fortified cities. When God saw his frightened servant he didn't remind Joshua of the years of preparation he had just gone through in the wilderness. Instead, God repeatedly assured Joshua of his presence (Joshua 1:1-9).

How important is it that you allow the presence of God to give you courage in the face of difficulty, danger or pain? During the Civil War General "Stonewall" Jackson reprimanded General Ewell for a strategic error he made during a battle. As the Federal troops were being pushed back, a cavalry officer displayed conspicuous gallantry in rallying them on the field of battle. Impressed with his courage, General Ewell ordered his soldiers not to shoot at the man.

Jackson reproved his subordinate my remarking shrewdly, "Shoot the brave officers and the cowards will run away and take their men with them!" (The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes).

Jackson had it right, didn't he? Courageous leaders enable their troops to accomplish what fear would keep them from doing. That means your courage is crucial to the success of the team you lead and the friends and family members you influence. With that truth in mind--raise the flag and lead the charge. Why not? God is with you!