Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the completed action in the face of it.
We often confuse courage with stupidity. We watch some guys take unnecessary risks, or tackle extreme obstacles for no purpose and exclaim that they are fearless.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Often, the ability of some to do things others can’t simply because they aren’t afraid is not courage, it’s chemical physiological.
- Some people aren’t afraid of heights… good for them.
- Some people don’t fret confrontation… kudos.
- Some people don’t get rattled no matter what… yeah them.
When these folks walk straight into the circumstances that others cringe away from, this is not courage; for them, it’s normal.
Courage is displayed when those who are overcome with fear displace that obstacle and operate in direct opposition to what’s going on inside of them.
That’s courage.
First Timothy chapter 1 verse seven says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Many of the fears we experience are not legitimate. A legit fear is one God has given to keep you safe: fear of big dogs, guys with guns, etc.
Most of the fears we have are illegitimate, simply obstacles that keep us from moving in a the direction we need to move in order to heal relationships, advance our career, grow in faith, see the miracle!
We are afraid of consequences:
- What will people say?
- How much will it cost?
- What if I fail?
This is the kind of fear we must fight. This is the kind of fear that requires bravery. This is the kind of fear that God said He gave us power, love and discipline to bust through.
You’ve probably already thought of one or two (maybe a dozen) areas that have held you paralyzed with fear.
It’s not going to get any better. It will never be easy. It’s going to take real courage.
It is time to step up…
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the completed action in the face of it.