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Courage: That quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirit; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering. Courage that grows from constitution [the frame or temper of mind, affections, or passions], often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it; courage which arises from a sense of duty, acts in a uniform manner.
Hebrew:h553, ames [aw-mats’]: strengthen [12], courage [9], strong [5], courageous [2], harden [2], speed [2], stronger [2], confirm [1], establilshed[1], fortify[1], increaseth[1],steadfastly minded[1], obstinate[1]. to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage): – confirm, be courageous (of good courage, steadfastly minded, strong, stronger), prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
I would like to give you all my version of this word for courage. It is the taking of the faith that God has given to all believers and put it to action. In other words, do something with it that relates to the blessing and the Kingdom of Christ our God.
As I think of courage, I am reminded of men who fought in WWII. As we watch the films of that era for entertainment, I am mindful of the heart of these men and what the thought life must have been in those days. If you have ever seen ‘Saving Private Ryan’ which is one of my favorite movies of all time, you might recall the scene at the beginning of the movie where the men were being transported by water to the beaches of Normandy [I think]. As the floating man transporter approached the shores, they let down the ramp for the men to come out and the Germans unleashed ‘hell’ with machine guns and many of the men never made it out. The bullets riddled these men, and they had no chance.
That is the portrait to me of what courage looks like and the price these men gave for this country’s freedom. Do we have that kind of courage in America today? How would we respond to an onslaught of the enemies of the USA if there was ever to be such a challenge.
The functions occurring in our nation even as we speak, are eroding the courage of Washington on the Delaware, Teddy Roosevelt on San Juan Hill, General George Patton in Africa, Douglas MacArthur in the Asian War, U.S. Grant in the Civil War, and the list is monumental. All men of courage and fortitude beyond the average man’s ability to comprehend. Let’s not forget the activities of the Apostle Paul in writing nearly two thirds of the New Testament. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you that he did most of it in prison. And the courage of all the Apostles including Steven, David, Joshua, Abraham, Moses, and Gideon. These are all my heroes along with a few who have lived in my lifetime: Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Andrew Womack, Pat Robertson, D.L Moody, Stanley Tams, Jerry Savelle, Oral Roberts, Lester Sumrall, Kevin Zadai, Smith Wigglesworth, R.G LeTourneau [mover of mountains and men] and of course, Jesus my hero. I thank you heavenly Father for allowing me to know and understand these men and what they have added to my life. You all are truly courageous human beings who have gone above and beyond anything I could ask or imagine according to the [Holy Spirit] power that was at work in you. Your work will prevail, and your courage will never be forgotten for Jesus is raising up a mighty army who will withstand the perversion, the hatred, the demonic forces attempting to undermine the foundation these great men have laid and are continuing to build. This is the truth and Jesus has said it and it is so.
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