Howzaviz? Courage is not a Gift.

March 23, 2009

John Wayne.  An iconic man’s man.  I remember the first time I saw a John Wayne movie when I was a boy.  True Grit.  It was the late 60’s and my dad took us to the 17^th St. Drive In, in Calgary.  We had an old wood paneled Ford station wagon – sleeping bags in the back for when we fell asleep.  I’ll never forget watching John Wayne fearlessly gallop across the clearing toward his enemies: the reins of his horse in his mouth, lever action Winchester blasting away in his right hand and his six shooter blasting in his left.  Wow.  Now that’s a man.  Fearless.

At least I thought he was fearless.  I have since learned John Wayne’s definition of courage – “Being scared spitless, but saddling up anyways.”  It’s been said there are two kinds of people in this world:  those who are afraid and those who are afraid.  No one is fearless.  You see, it’s what we do with the fear that matters.  That’s where we separate the men from the boys.  Fear is the prerequisite for courage.  Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to keep going in spite of it.  Courage is not a gift, it is a decision to keep going even though you are afraid.

We all have an equal opportunity to be courageous, because courage is an act of your will.  The greatest gift God has given mankind is our ability to choose – our will.  Even though you’re afraid, maybe terrified, you can choose to keep going.  You can choose to press through your fears.  Surrender your fears to God and don’t let them stop you.  Press on.  If you’re afraid, then you have the opportunity to be courageous.

God didn’t say to Joshua that He would give him courage.  He told him to be strong and courageous.  In other words, He told him to “choose” to be strong and courageous.  Give your fear to God and make a decision to keep moving forward – that’s courage.

Courage is not a gift – it’s being scared spitless, but saddling up anyway.

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Strength and courage.

David