C-c-c-courage

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. --Deuteronomy 31:6

The difference between courage and cowardice is action. Courage knows the risks and rewards, experiences fear but acts anyway. Cowardice also knows the risks and rewards, but refuses to act because the fear is overwhelming. Courage doesn't necessarily desire to be a hero, rather, it seeks to do what is right regardless or being recognized. Cowardice knows what is right, but hides. Cowardice sometimes gains unwelcomed recognition in the form of notoriety or infamy.

What does a courageous Christian look like? Does a courageous Christian stand tall in full battle array, chin and sword held high for all to see? Maybe.

It is more likely that a courageous Christian looks like everyone else with one exception--bended knees. The heroes of the Christian faith, the champions of God's cause, are those who bow their heads and ask God to instill in them the strength they know they lack. They see the challenge that lies before them and know full well that they are ill-equipped without God's mighty hand.

Courageous Christians don't consider themselves heroes. They have a humble view of themselves and know that they are mere instruments of God. They serve Him faithfully even if it means being taken to unfamiliar and frightening territory.

God calls each of us to be strong and courageous. He wants us to recognize the alarming advancement of evil in the world and do something about it, even if only on an individual level. He knows that this is a fearful task, but He promises to provide us with the strength we need to press forward. The risks for us as Christians in a world that is filled with darkness are very real. However, so are the rewards. We can refuse to act--we can be spiritual cowards, or we can move ahead with courage. The Lord goes before us and will never abandon us to the enemy.