The Spirit of Courage - Part III
by Dr. John Tetsola

Last month we learned how the spirit of courage is fear that’s dominated by bravery in God. It’s forged through intimacy with God, which enables us to encounter crisis with an inward resolution that’s not overwhelmed by circumstances. Now let’s see how great men and women of God must actively choose courage over every negative emotion of fear and anxiety in accomplishing the things of God.

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
Deuteronomy 31:7

God demands the involvement of courage in order for us to be successful in ministry. Do you think that Joshua would have been able to lead Israel into the Promised Land without abandoning his fear and embracing the spirit of courage? Absolutely not. Whenever you see significant progression in ministry, it’s because the leader chose to make courageous decisions. A leadership position doesn’t give you courage, but courage can give you a leadership position. For example, although King Saul occupied the throne of Israel, he lacked the courage to challenge Goliath. But a young boy named David who knew his God and embraced the spirit of courage was strengthened in his inner man to challenge Goliath, which thrust him from the sheep-fold, to a leadership position. As you face great challenges in ministry, realize that there are aspects of your call that will never be experienced until you embrace the spirit of courage. In embracing the spirit of courage, it’s important to realize the following:

FIRST, courage begins with an inward battle. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s doing what you are afraid to do. SECOND, courage in a leader inspires commitment from followers. It’s contagious, and it inspires. Billy Graham once said, “When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” THIRD, courage never retreats from disheartening tasks and challenges. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” FINALLY, a leader’s life shrinks or expands in direct proportion to his courage.

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
Isaiah 8:13 KJV

Courage opens doors. When courage is taken in the midst of complexity, it activates an anointing amidst the difficulty that enables us to go through the process of pursuit until God’s desired results are achieved. So instead of activating cowardice in your heart, observe what Isaiah 8:13b says, ‘…let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread lest you offend Him by your fear of man and distrust of Him’ (AMP).