Devotion: Cultivating Courage

2 Chronicles 15:7

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

“Success is never final; failure is never fatal; it is courage that counts.”

--Winston Churchill

An active faith is a courageous faith.  In 2 Chronicles 15:1-8, we find the prophet Azariah bringing a word from the Lord to King Asa.  We glean four truths from these verses on how to cultivate courage. 

1.    Courage is cultivated by seeking the presence of God. 

“The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2a)  Courage is cultivated as we seek the Lord daily. 

2.    Courage is cultivated by fearing the discipline of God.

“If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2b)  A healthy fear of God enables the believer to overcome an unhealthy fear of circumstances and people.  Don’t fear what man can do to you.  Fear God!

3.     Courage is cultivated by trusting the promises of God.

“As Soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded, he took courage…” (2 Chronicles 15:8a)  Asa cultivated courage by trusting the promises of God.  The promises of God must be believed and trusted so that we don’t grow fearful and discouraged.   

4.    Courage is cultivated by focusing on the rewards from God. 

“But you take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” ((2 Chronicles 15:7) God rewards those who trust his promises, seek his presence, and fear him.  God rewards faithfulness!

·      What are you facing now that requires courage? Relationship? Situation at work or school? Job opportunity?   

·      What steps do you need to take to cultivate courage this week?

·      Take some time to pray about cultivating courage in your daily walk with the Lord.  If you are going through a situation at this time, commit it to the Lord in prayer.  Share how God helps you this week with someone you know.