Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Amp Courage is that thing born of faith that propels one into glorious heights irrespective of the obstacles or lack of resources. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines courage as the ‘ability to do something dangerous or face pain and opposition without showing fear’. I think I like that. Though they seem alike, courage super outweighs ‘bravery’. To be brave a word that has its root in bravo is to act without fear. Sometimes it creates some audacity that causes pride. Courage on the other hand is targeted towards a positive God – glorifying venture. Courage is not an act, it is a virtue. Bravery tends to be more spontaneous, whereas courage comes with a high degree of choice and forethought. Bravery is seen outwardly but courage is a thing of the heart. Courage makes us do God’s will in spite and despite our feelings because we know He is good. As a believer, courage from the above verse is not a choice, it is a command from the Lord. Stop being timid, rise up and stay up. A man of courage does not easily accept diversions. You must have the courage of your convictions.  In Joshua Chapter 1 at least three times the Lord insists, “Be Strong and very courageous”. It takes courage invest in kingdom ventures, to preach the gospel in and out of season, to stay unspotted from this world and it’s lusts. In this alarming global economic crunch – we all need courage injected into our being to be sane and know with no shadow of doubt that God will come true for you. The Bible said of David whose wives and children had just been taken captive and whose men were considering stoning him to death that he encouraged himself in the Lord. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) That was where his strength was found. You have no business with being discouraged because it will be a direct disobedience to the instruction in Joshua 1:9 So how can we pump our courage up? 1.Appreciate Grace It’s a function of God’s grace that you have come this far in life. As you lean on the Lord, your courage gets beefed up. 2.Have Hope Hope for the future will give you the strength for today. The Bible says about Abraham in Romans 4:18 that he hoped against hope and he received God’s blessing. 3.Exercise Faith Show me a person who trustfully believes God and I’ll tell you such a man has very high courage. 4. Meditation Meditate on God’s Word, don’t just read it, Meditate! 5.Confession Speak to yourself! This book of the law shall not depart out of your Mouth. Joshua 1:8 (KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. God will cause what you say to become a living reality. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Numbers 14:28 (KJV) Jesus is Lord!