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Courage; Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude which implies patience to bear continued suffering.

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

In these troublesome times we are expected by the Lord to have courage and patience. Courage to face the trials, troubles, persecution and hatred that our belief in Jesus brings upon us. We are to have courage in the face of adversity and persecution, in the face of petulance, famine and even in times of war. We see many today that lack the courage to still believe when everything is going wrong.  

We are to have courage in the persecution and hatred, whether it is in the form of the infliction of pain, punishment or death unjustly by others, particularly for adhering to our religious creed or mode of worship, either by way of penalty or for their compelling us to renounce our principles. For as it is written for our understanding; Many are the afflictions of the righteous.

The Apostle Paul stated of His faith in Christ; I am set for the defence of the gospel. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

The righteousness of God is revealed in each person’s faith in Him and upon His being able to provide sustenance, protection and salvation to each. There is no courage in turning away from Christ, no courage in saving one’s life, no courage in denouncing the word of God and knowing it is the only way to be saved. Many have gone in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, a man who lacked courage to accept the way of the Lord and righteousness.

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in us by our courage and persistence in acceptance of His word as being true. He sustains us in His promises, no matter what we face, no matter where we are and no matter whom we are. Earthquakes, fires, floods, petulance, wars, rumors of wars and persecution is a way of life that effects all mankind, but the difference is that only those that follow the Lord are not afraid of these things.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” We see persecution in many forms. Lawlessness, the burning of our churches, the murder of our brothers and sisters in Christ, laws that are being passed trying to limit our ability to speak the truth, and so called peaceful religions that call upon our destruction because we will not bow down to their false gods and doctrines. Many today that say they believe in Christ are changing laws and doctrines to accept unrighteousness as a way of increasing their numbers, not once considering the souls of those that are still lost.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Courage is being able to speak against all manner of unrighteousness no matter what the world thinks or believes. Being politically correct in today’s world means to accept all unrighteousness, religions and keeping silent about salvation threw Jesus Christ. Seeking the acceptance of the world is easy, being of great courage is another.

We who believe in Christ must develop patience to bear continued suffering. There are courts around the world that have declared that it is better for orphans to live with non-believers, gays and lesbians than to live in a Christian home. Jesus stated of these times we live in; “ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Ars.

Deu 31:6  Psa 27:14  Jos 1:9  Php 1:17  Webster, TSK, KJV. Rom 1:17- 19  Mat 24:7-14