Character Creates Courage

Psalm 31:24 - All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave.

A legend from India tells about a mouse who was terrified of cats until a magician agreed to transform him into a cat. That resolved his fear... until he met a dog, so the magician changed him into a dog. The mouse-turned-cat-turned-dog was content until he met a tiger-- so, once again, the magician changed him into what he feared. But when the tiger came complaining that he had met a hunter, the magician refused to help. "I will make you into a mouse again, for though you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse."

Sound familiar? How many people do you know who have built a formidable exterior, only to tremble inside with fear?... We face our fears with force... or.... stockpile wealth. We seek security in things. We cultivate fame and seek status.

But do these approaches work?

Courage is an outgrowth of who we are. Exterior supports may temporarily sustain, but only inward character creates courage.
- Max Lucado

Courage is not freedom from fear. It is being afraid and going on.

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Romans 5:3-5 - And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NASB)

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Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

When life pushes you to your knees.... your in the perfect position to pray!
Fight the good fight