The dictionary defines courage as "The state of quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger with self possession, confidence, and resolution. 'Courage suggests a reserve of moral strength on which one may draw in time of emergency.'"
THE FIRST COURAGE OF MARRIAGE
One of the greatest steps of courage is to get married, to make that commitment.
It doesn’t take a lot of courage to make a promise, but it takes a lot of courage to keep that promise.
It doesn’t take a lot of courage to have fun with someone, but it takes a lot of courage to continue to initiate fun with that person when they have hurt you.
It doesn’t take a lot of courage to find someone that you want to sleep with; it takes a lot of courage to commit to love her even if she physically is unable to meet your sexual needs.
It doesn’t take courage to follow someone into sin, it takes courage to stand firm in following what God wants for you both.
For a marriage to be great and all that God has in mind for us, we must have courage.
Real courage is needed to face those small, everyday, and sometimes trivial events of marriage - to respond with courage when it is tough and to not give up.
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.’” Mary Anne Radmacher
GODLY COURAGE
Biblical courage is not the result of self-reliance or self-confidence. Biblical courage is the result of surrender and sovereignty - our surrender to God's sovereignty, and our trust in God's strength, not in our own.
In the Old Testament, 11 times, God tells his people, “Be strong and courageous.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 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.”
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
In the New Testament, Jesus encourages those who encounter Him with the admonishment, “Take courage!”
Matthew 14:27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Mark 6:50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Acts of courage often bring a lot of publicity. Godly courage can draw extraordinary attention.
Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Jesus gave us examples of extraordinary courage. Peter and John showed courage, after Pentecost. God says we can have that kind of courage as well.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
One of Paul’s deepest desires was to have the courage to glorify Christ.
Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
That “reserve of moral strength on which one may draw” comes from Him and because of Him.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon
[More posts to come on courage in marriage in the days to come]
[More posts to come on courage in marriage in the days to come]
