In the face of impossible challenges, God gives us the same instruction He gave to Joshua and Solomon. “Be strong and very courageous.”

He does not say, “You pray and I’ll make you strong.” He says, “You be strong-not in your own power, but in My might.” Clearly, being courageous is our responsibility, and it’s not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. It’s a command.

The word translated courage in the Hebrew means “to be sharp, alert or clearheaded.” It also means “to be strong or confirmed.” When I looked up the word confirmed in the dictionary, I found it means, “to be strengthened, established and made more firm.”

The word virtue in 2 Peter 1:5 carries this same idea. There, the Apostle Peter tells us, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” In other words, “Add to your faith courageous, moral energy.”

There’s a conspicuous lack of courageous, moral energy among many believers today. Great numbers of Christians know the Word says that by the stripes of Jesus we were healed (1 Peter 2:24). They believe it. They have been taught that if they’ll fill their hearts and mouths with that Word-and stick with it long enough-healing will be certain to manifest in their bodies.

Why then don’t more people take hold of that Word and stay with it until they’re healed? No courage. No moral energy.

You see the same problem in the area of finances. Christians everywhere want to be debt free. They know the truth. So they confess, “I’m the head and not the tail. I lend to many, but I don’t borrow! God meets all my needs…” and so on.

But when it comes time to buy a car, a house or build a church, they wilt. “Oh my, that’s a lot of money. There’s no way in the world I’ll ever be able to believe God for that much money.” What makes people back off their faith like that? A lack of courage. A lack of moral energy. You may be facing some serious circumstances today. It may be your health, your family, your finances. Whatever it is, being courageous to believe the Word of God can put you over. But, you have to choose to stand up to the fear, to stand up to that doubt. Boldly declare, “Fear, you have no place in me. I’ll not serve you. I dare to believe the Word of God! I dare to stand on it and not back off! I dare to be courageous!”

Exodus 39-40; Luke 4 – I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10