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“It’s no surprise that courage often fuels our ability to endure tests and overcome obstacles.”

A thought by Chris Hodge from his book, The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise (Kindle Locations 1194). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Courage is another good word to look at here at the beginning of 2018.  It is something we need and will need in the living of this new year.

Chris says, “Courage is the condition of your heart that allows you to believe you’ll succeed without knowing how you’ll succeed.”  That is what it is.

Chris then says, “But where does courage come from? The origins of the word itself reveal the way courage is forged in the depths of our souls. The English word courage evolved from cour, the Middle English word meaning ‘the heart,’ the seat of one’s deepest feelings. This usage evolved from Old French, corage, and originally from the Latin word for ‘heart,’ cor.”

He goes on, “Notice the way core and courage both come from this word for the heart. This makes sense because our hearts are the battleground between our trials and our convictions. They square off in a showdown to determine what remains and stays true in our hearts. When culture challenges our convictions, we must exercise courage—a deep-seated strength of heart—and resist the temptation to conform or compromise. Courage fuels our ability to carry out our convictions.”

Later in the book, Chris says, “… courage doesn’t try to figure out all the answers and refuse to act until it understands. Courage comes from the heart. Like love, courage requires a commitment of unbreakable trust. Courage is doing what you are afraid to do, and not allowing fear to rule your decisions. Simply put, courage looks up, stands up, and speaks up.”

I’m not sure how this thought, this word fits with your life at this time but I felt led to share it with you. 

Chris also said, “Even when I don’t like it, God’s Word tells me the truth. Sometimes it makes me miserable as it confronts areas of my heart and life that need to change. But if I submit myself to God’s truth, it sets me free. Surrendering to God’s truth strengthens our convictions and fuels our courage, providing confidence in the face of the storm.”

God’s Word tells us the truth, it sets us free and it fuels our courage. 


And that is a good place to start.  So would you open your heart up to God and to his Word?  Would you?

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