Courage Under Fire

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 What is courage under fire? It is having the steady resolve to face your challenges, difficulties and opposition with a faith so strong that cannot be broken. If we read this passage in context, we will see the most courageous act we can embody in the midst of fire is the act of standing up against our own desires and personal wishes. James says that the the trial is facing that which we ourselves entice into being. Here’s the one thing we have to understand about that though– “courage” is not something you are born with and not innately given. It is something we work up towards. That means even if there are times when we fail, we shouldn’t give up on standing tough in the midst of our trials. In verse 18 James writes, “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” God, knowing you can’t ever courageously stand up to your own desires, gives you Jesus’ blood and the presence of the Holy Spirit to persevere so that you can receive the “promise of God.” So today I want you to move forward in facing your trials and doing exactly what you know needs to be done to overcome your temptations, oppositions and difficulties knowing fully well that God brings us out in His own will to be victors for the sake of His glory. Therefore, whatever it is that you are facing in the present, know that you have already received the victory in Jesus, your Christ. You have courage and when it is under fire, you will remain steadfast in facing it and overcoming it. This is something we need to pray about and believe together because this is our source of hope and strength. Be courageous.

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