Courage is a decision, not an emotion. If you’re going to live for God and accomplish all he has called you to do, you’re going to have to muster up some courage. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.
A priest in the Old Testament grew tired of the way things were and decided to make a difference. You can read his account here:
“In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. He summoned his courage and made a pact with five army commanders: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zicri. These men traveled secretly throughout Judah and summoned the Levites and clan leaders in all the towns to come to Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 23:1-2
Jehoiada the priest, chose to have courage. He drew courage from his relationship with God and because he knew it was the right thing to do. It always takes courage to do the right thing, especially if no one else is doing it. The right thing to do was stand up to the evil around him and draw a line in the sand.
When Jehoiada decided to act, he didn’t tell everyone his plans. He understood that not everyone around you is for you. He started with the five army commanders that he could trust. He also started with these five because of their influence over the army.
It took courage to step out in faith and do something different. There were no guarantees that everything would work out. He was living on a prayer, but as long as you have a prayer, you have a chance! I also believe God honored his faith.
Jehoiada’s courage was contagious. The people around him just needed to see it. He said, “Here is the king’s son! The time has come for him to reign” (v. 3).
Like Jehoiada, all of us need to have the courage to declare our allegiance to the King’s son! Courage started with him, and then it infected the five army commanders and then the entire army. It would eventually spread to the Levites and all the people of Judah. Jehoiada’s courage started a movement.
Never underestimate one act of courage in your life. It’s contagious, and some people just need to see it.
You’re one act of courage away from a different outcome in your life. What decision could you make today that would move you in the direction God has called you?
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