Recently, I connected with a dear friend and learned about her struggle with cancer. Not only her courage to face cancer, but the tenacity and grit it takes to go through chemo treatments. On top of that, to deal with side effects. Little sleep, loss of hair, skin so sensitive you can’t comfortably wear a hat or light scarf. Terrible pain. Time off work. Daily responsibilities still demand attention. Without a doubt, it takes courage and confidence to make it through such difficult circumstances.
How I admire this friend. Each day, she rises into new courage as she manages these realities. Plus, she remains confident God will carry her through. At the same time, she is honest and authentic about her sufferings.
So, let’s dive into what it means to live with courage and confidence each day – no matter what your situation.
Remarkably, approaching life with courage and confidence leaves you with fewer regrets and greater accomplishment.
Live With Courage And Confidence
Some mornings, it can be tempting to climb back in bed. Ever feel like that? By the time you tackle your morning routine – just getting the day rolling – the (often) huge list of responsibilities lands. Afterall, others depend on you. Of course, the tricky part is all those unforeseen circumstances that eat up time and energy.
Interestingly, the constancy of demanding days, alone, is enough to sometimes be overwhelming. But then, add a scenario like cancer or some other tragedy – and you realize you need courage and confidence.
Regardless, whatever fills your days, it doesn’t take much to realize each hour becomes an opportunity to live with courage and confidence in Christ.
Thankfully, once you decide to forge through whatever your day holds with courage and confidence, you take on stronger purpose and hope.
But where does courage and confidence come from? How do you get refills? Local stores don’t carry them. Equally, I’ve never found them online.
Courage and Confidence
In every small detail and major event of your life, you can have courage and confidence because God –
- Is close to you.
- Loves you.
- Helps you.
- Leads you.
- Is absolutely faithful!
So, if you choose to practice courage and confidence in God, you are golden. Why? Because God never changes. Plus, as we already mentioned, He is absolutely faithful to keep His Word. Listen to these Scriptures:
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8)
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified . . . the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6)
- “So do not throw away your confidence. It will be richly rewarded.” (Heb. 10:35)
God is your faithful source of courage and confidence.
Train in Courage and Confidence
You can train to stay in a place of courage and confidence in God. However, it takes dedication and resolve. As you practice these qualities daily, you find they become part of you. Essentially, you change.
Scripture commands something noteworthy about this change.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2)
Transformed! Renewal. This is something you need.
Two additional verses:
- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)
- “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” (Jer. 17:7)
Courage and confidence are something you practice by faith. In fact, they provide a kind-of invisible place of strength and peace – no matter how hard life gets.
Follow Me, He Said
Jesus said it – “follow Me!” Incidentally, this means follow His example to live a holy life. Afterall, in His own words – “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Jn. 13:15)
Therefore, consider Jesus – the Living Word. He modeled courage and confidence beautifully. Subsequently, it makes sense to renew your mind in God’s Word. Especially, since that’s what Jesus did.
Of course, it’s up to you to practice courage and confidence. When you do, you begin to live in a place of – “Yes!” Say “yes” to God’s Word, and your whole life turns into a “yes.” Even when you suffer.
Consider this incredible statement – “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (2 Cor. 1:20)
When you suffer, it’s an opportunity to build intimate faith in Christ. Ps. 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Incidentally, you may feel concerned you are losing everything when you do life God’s way. In reality, you are putting yourself in the place of gaining everything that matters.
Why not live in the place of “yes?” Jesus makes His personal resources available to you as you trust Him. Plus, He helps you stand firm, Additionally, He gives you rest.
Are you saying “yes” to God?
Gratitude Helps
Practicing courage and confidence, you discover a grateful heart enhances both qualities. Another interesting thing – it’s hard to sin when you’re thankful. Gratitude protects your heart and mind. Plus, it brings cheer.
The more thankful you are, the greater your courage and confidence becomes. Particularly, when you work hard on them.
Relationships Help
When you actively practice courage and confidence, you find your relationships grow healthy. Plus, you discover meaningful, lasting friendships.
Here are some ways courage and confidence help relationships –
- You know better how to interact with others.
- Fear is overcome as you pursue good communication.
- Actually, you bring your “best” to relationships when you practice courage and confidence.
- Sharing from your heart, asking for help or input, helping someone else, knowing God intends you to interact with others – all those build lasting, meaningful relationships.
- Your interactions with the world, its organizations, and its people will be more sincere and compassionate when you practice courage and confidence
Everyone needs good relationships.
Before we continue with the benefits of living with courage and confidence –
More Benefits of Living With Courage and Confidence
There are even more benefits from living with courage and confidence.
Clear Conscience
A perk of saying “yes” to God always is having a clear conscience. What freedom! If your conscience has been seared from lack of trusting and obeying God –
- Turn to Him immediately.
- Confess whatever is between you and Him.
- Ask forgiveness.
- Then, ask Jesus to heal your conscience.
Depending how deeply you’ve seared your conscience, it might take time to heal. But God loves healing consciences. He’s a trustworthy doctor with knowledge, resources, and power. Essentially, His commands are action points you need. And His promises fill you with hope.
Reach to God and follow Christ’s example of holy living. Healing will come.
Leadership
Perhaps you haven’t thought of the leadership you will gain as you practice courage and confidence.
Interestingly, these two qualities feed directly into various kinds of leadership. Whether your –
- Home.
- Job.
- Community.
- Global outreach –
– you’re stronger when you practice courage and confidence.
So, prepare for leadership with courage and confidence.
Jesus Paid Dearly For Courage And Confidence
Not only did Jesus model courage and confidence. He paid dearly to pass those qualities on to you. Let’s look again at His life.
- Jesus trained continually in righteousness.
- Plus, He practiced gratitude.
- Jesus also built strong relationships even while He provided leadership.
- Of course, He always had a clear conscience.
Interestingly, none of that saved Him from terrible suffering. In fact, it was for this hardship Christ came to earth.
The Price
Now, let’s look at the high price Jesus paid so you and I could live with courage and confidence.
God has tolerated centuries of piled-up sin. As His plan of grace was revealed through Christ’s life, sins were paid for at the cross. His patience through time secured your hope for eternity.
2 Pet. 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Justice was heaped full force on Jesus. He always said “yes” to His Father – chosen before creation to be the Lamb slain for you.
This knowledge should fill you with courage and confidence – and gratitude.
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Do you struggle to live with courage and confidence?
- Are you training in these qualities?
- Do you practice gratitude?
- How are you pouring into your relationships?
- Does your conscience need healing?
- Are you ready to be a leader for the Lord?
- Are you in the practice of saying “yes” to Jesus?
* Portions of this content come from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.
Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.
