Courage

Courage is a central theme in the Bible, often depicted as a vital quality for those who follow God. It is the strength to face fear, danger, or adversity with faith and trust in God. The Bible presents numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated courage, often in the face of overwhelming odds, as they fulfilled God's purposes.

One of the most prominent examples of courage is found in the account of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence and support. In Joshua 1:9 , God says, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

David, the shepherd boy who became king, is another exemplar of courage. His confrontation with Goliath is a classic narrative of faith-fueled bravery. Despite his youth and inexperience in battle, David declared in 1 Samuel 17:45 , "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

The New Testament also emphasizes courage, particularly in the context of spreading the Gospel. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the message of Christ despite persecution. In Acts 4:13 , the courage of Peter and John astonished the Sanhedrin: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Courage is not merely the absence of fear but the resolve to act in faith despite fear. It is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises, as seen in Hebrews 13:6 : "So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'"

Preparation

Preparation is a biblical principle that underscores the importance of readiness and foresight in fulfilling God's purposes. The Bible encourages believers to prepare both spiritually and practically for the tasks and challenges they may face.

In the Old Testament, preparation is often linked with obedience to God's commands. Noah's preparation of the ark, as instructed by God, is a prime example. In Genesis 6:22 , it is noted, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." His meticulous preparation ensured the survival of his family and the animal species during the flood.

The Proverbs frequently highlight the value of preparation. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." This passage underscores the wisdom of diligent preparation and foresight.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes spiritual preparation. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), five virgins are described as wise because they prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones did not. This parable illustrates the necessity of being spiritually prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul also speaks to the importance of preparation in the context of spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:13 , he writes, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." This metaphorical armor represents the spiritual readiness required to withstand challenges and temptations.

Preparation, both practical and spiritual, is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to be ready for God's calling and the trials of life. It involves a proactive approach, grounded in faith and obedience, to ensure that one is equipped for whatever lies ahead.