Pastor John D Jakes

Have you considered what it takes to be courageous? Do you think of courage as the exclusive domain of the fearless? Courage isn’t just available to those who don’t feel fear. It is also available to any who will prepare.

Prepare. What do I mean by prepare? The simple definition of preparation is to consistently put together the tools for success. I thought about firemen this past week. They aren’t just courageous because they are brave. They also prepare every week to use their tools. They practice constantly so that they know what to do in the situations they face. They prepare, therefore their courage does not fail them.

How does that relate to having courage as a Christian? We too, can prepare to be used by God. As we prepare, we are getting ready to be courageous.

Joshua 1:7-8 ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. ⁸  This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

So, how do we prepare as Christians?

1. We learn the Word of God. The Bible declares that when we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we prepare ourselves to find victory sin.
2. We practice the Word of God. When we obey the Word, we make a habit of living by trusting what God has said. As that becomes our character, it becomes easier to make the right choices. That is the backbone of courage.
3. We rejoice in the work of God. Rejoicing in what God is doing helps us practice seeing God’s activity in our lives. Seeing God work reinforces our prayers and our desire to stand for Him. Never underestimate the power of the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man”!

This is our preparation: the Word, obedience, and faith-filled prayer. As we practice these things we are preparing to stand in courage for what we believe and what God is leading us to do. We need people of courage and character in our day. Are you and I preparing to be those type of people?

Something to think about,

Pastor John