Lessons From Oz - Be Courageous

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As Dorothy and Scarecrow walked deeper in to the woods, fear started creeping into the journey - lions, tigers and bears oh my. This is where they meet a lion who pretends to be fierce, but who is really just a big scaredy cat in need of some courage. With some encouragement, he agrees to join them on the journey in hopes of getting some courage from the wizard. 

The dictionary defines courage as: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, without fear. The definition continues by saying it is to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

Joshua had been chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and God told him repeatedly to “be strong and courageous.” How could they do that in the face of the unknown? One passage says: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua and the people found their courage in the faithfulness of God. 

What do you need courage for today, this week? Maybe you need courage to say no to something. Perhaps courage is needed to handle a health crisis with grace and dignity. Do you need courage to surrender some aspect of your life to the Lordship of Jesus? Have you been called to something that you feel inadequate for? Being obedient to that call, will require much courage. 

I came across an interesting quote concerning this topic of courage, it reads: “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the keys to living your life with integrity.” We can have the courage we need to be who we were made to be, to do what we have been called to do as long as we trust that God will keep His promise to be with us wherever we go - that He will never leave us or forsake us. 

As the Wizard prepared to pin a medal on the lion as proof of his real courage, he says something important about the lion “confusing courage with wisdom.” Understanding, that courage is so much more than the mere absence of fear, will help us to act, even in the face of our fears.

In the face of life’s challenges, grab a hold of God’s love and his promise to be there with you in the midst of whatever you are facing and be courageous. 

A Prayer
Father, so many things happen in life that can make us afraid. Help us to be strong and courageous in You. Help us to hold on to the promise of your unfailing love, faithfulness and strength. Help us to share our courage with those around us. Thank you for the courage that comes with your light and love. In the name of Jesus, who will never leave us - Amen.