SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE.
When do we need courage?
If I may put it in another way; what have you always wanted to do but been afraid to attempt? What would you do differently if you were guaranteed success?
Identify your three biggest fears in life, right now. What are they?
I believe that in an attempt to answer these few questions, will make courage meaningful to you.
If you should just search 'courage' on the internet, then would you realize how extensively people (famous or not), have written about it. And so you cannot miss it's importance.
What is courage?
It is the strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger - Merriam - Webster Thesaurus.
To do something dangerous when no one else will. Note;I am not talking about any unproductive adventure. But for instance, speaking against injustice when no one will, is courage. Bravery is synonymous to courage when it is invested in a profitable venture. But "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow"-Mary Anne Radmacher. Yes, physical strength alone is not a sign of courage. Remember the definition of courage....'the strength of mind'
Why (when) do you need courage?
The truth is everyone is afraid of one thing or the other- and usually many things. Fear however, is not bad, but necessary to preserve live, prevent injury and guard against financial mistakes.
**..............So if everyone is afraid, what is the difference between the brave person and the coward? The only difference is that the brave person disciplines himself to confront, deal with, and act in spite of fear.
Simply put" courage is not absence of fear; it is control of fear, mastery of fear " -Mark Twain
Life is saturated with moments of sorrow, pain, disappointments, so many difficulties, name them. Courage is demanded in such trying times. Yet still when life seems good, courage is still needed.
Maya Angelou noted,
Without courage,we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, honest.
You need courage because, you need to keep going. Hence, in all things we need courage. We need it to keep going even when there is no strength.
How do you get courage
One word that is directly antonymous to courage is fear.
Fear paralyzes action. Eliminating your fears increases your courage. In cultivating courage, one must confront his fears and deal with them by putting them behind. For instance, the fear of rejection leads to fear of public speaking. However, being not afraid to be rejected, increases your confidence.
In dealing with a situation you are worried about or fear;
1. You must define the worry situation clearly. Know that which you really fear or worried.
2. Identify the worst possible thing that could possibly happen. You will be amazed to know that in most worst case scenarios, after all, you still have a chance.
3. Resolve to accept the worst possible outcome should it occur. Once you are prepared to face the outcome, all the worry and stress will disappear.
4. Begin immediately to improve on the worst. Take the possible steps to ensure the worst does not happen. Whilst you are busily working to ensure that the worst does not happen you will not have time to worry.
"Just because you fail once doesn't mean you are going to fail at everything "
-Marilyn Monroe
Ultimately, self - discipline is what will help one to develop courage. Discipline yourself to carry on no matter what is ahead, to hang on a bit longer, no matter how difficult it is. Self-discipline with courage will definitely take you far to achieving your goals.
**ADDENDUM**
There is one place where I see courage so great and real.
There was a man called Joshua who picked up the mantle after Moses. I believe this man had a great deal of hearing the word 'courage'
Right from Debut_31:6-7 throughout the book of Joshua, God, and Moses have admonished Joshua to be strong and courageous.
A few examples :
Deu 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t fear or tremble before them, because the LORD your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you—he won’t leave you or abandon you.”
7 Then Moses called on Joshua and told him in the presence of everyone in Israel, “Be strong and courageous, because you’ll bring this people to the land that the LORD your God had promised to give your ancestors. You will be the one who causes them to possess it.
Again,
Deu 31:23 Then the LORD charged Nun’s son Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, because you’ll bring the Israelis to the land that I promised to them by an oath. I’ll be with you.”
Jos 1:9 I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be fearful or discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
These few examples shows how Joshua has been treated with the word courage.
True to the fact, Joshua was one of the great leaders of Israel who has accomplished much more victory for Israel. He listened and applied the courage to his cause of leadership.
What made his(Joshua's) courage special?
If the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things promise you victory, then what else is your worry.
God owns the earth and everything in it. He is sovereign over all nations. Do you see why Joshua needed not to fear? So as every Child of God.
2Co 1:20 For all God’s promises are “Yes” in him. And so through him we can say “Amen,” to the glory of God.
None of His promises concerning Israel has failed Joshua 21:45
Knowing that the one with you is greater than your adversary-2chron 32:7-8
Sovereign over the battles- 2Samuel10:12
Through prayer. He answers prayer -Psalm 138:3
Christ is our assurance - Phil 3:14
With the assurance we receive from God's word, we are guaranteed a better courage.
Courage is of the greatest importance if one has a personal relationship with God.
And so for that matter, I invite you reading this post to submit your life to Christ as you:
Hear and believe the gospel... John 3:16
Repent from your sins......Luke 13:3
Confess Christ ..........John 11:27,Acts 8:37
Be immersed for the remission of your sins...Acts2:38.
Thank you for reading.
Reference:
**....... Brian Tracy
Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Mary Anne Radmacher
Mark Twain
Maya Angelou
-Marilyn Monroe
Success.com
Shutterstock.com
The Holy Bible ISV
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