When facing a new or difficult challenge what do people ask for? Among other things, courage.

Let’s look at the word itself. “Corage” is an old word which means “heart.” To have courage is to have an enlarged heart (metaphorically speaking, of course). It is to do good even when facing adversity or uncertainty.

Here’s another helpful way to think about it: Courage is humility plus muscle.

The concept of humility is sometimes neglected when thinking about courage. But it shouldn’t be, at least not in a Christian context. Humility reminds us that it’s not all about us. With God’s help we are moving away from selfishness and toward selflessness. We are yielding to God and to the needs of others. “Humility plus muscle” means that we strive to do this even when it is particularly difficult to do so. In those moments, our heart needs some fortitude.

I love Psalm 119:32 (ESV): “I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” The psalm-writer is keen to do God’s will, but also realizes that he can only do it when God enlarges his heart. If God doesn’t step in, he will simply fall flat. It’s an acknowledgement that by ourselves, we are small-hearted, not big-hearted.

Consider your life. What are you facing? I’m guessing it’s going to need some courage. 

Cultivate humility alongside a laser-like zeal for the will of God. Courage is humility plus muscle.

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Notes:

–You’re invited! If you’re close to Barrie, Ontario and don’t have a church home you’re invited to Westminster. I’ll be teaching about the visit of the wise men and asking what we can learn from this story today.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on January 8, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.