Dr. Floyd Godfrey

The Call to Courage

Life's challenges often demand more of us than we feel prepared to give. Scripture, however, reminds us to face such moments with courage. As Clinton (2024) notes, "Paul modeled what Jesus had taught His disciples: Yes, we will certainly have troubles in life, but when they come we should be courageous because He has overcome the world. We should remember that during battles and storms" (p. 29). This truth is both comforting and empowering, reinforcing that our strength is not our own but rooted in the ultimate victory of Christ.

Courage, then, becomes not just an emotional response but a faith-filled action. In the midst of life's storms, whether temporary or enduring, believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty. Clinton further observes, "Sadly, some people find themselves in storms that will almost certainly last a lifetime" (p. 29). Even in such circumstances, we are invited to lean on God's promises, knowing His presence is constant and His grace sufficient.

Living Courageously Through Love

Living a life of love, as modeled by Jesus, also requires courage. It is not always easy to extend grace or demonstrate compassion, especially when faced with rejection, hostility, or personal vulnerability. Clinton emphasizes, "It takes courage to live the life God has for us and courage to live a life of love for those around us" (p. 30). This call to love echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, where He commands us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Such love often involves sacrifice and resilience. It is through love that we can stand firm in our faith, even when circumstances challenge us to retreat. By anchoring our courage in Christ, we can reflect His love more authentically, becoming instruments of His peace and hope.

Spiritual Armor for the Battle

The challenges we face are not merely physical or emotional but often spiritual in nature. Clinton wisely reminds us, "...we might find ourselves trapped and under siege from a ruthless enemy. Those are times we need to fit... to resist (1 Peter 5:8-9), and He always provides the armor we need to persevere and overcome (Ephesians 6:10-18)" (p. 31). The enemy prowls, seeking to undermine our faith and steal our peace, but God has equipped us for victory.

Ephesians 6 outlines the armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—as essential tools for standing firm against spiritual opposition. By daily putting on this armor, believers can resist the schemes of the enemy and remain steadfast, even in the darkest valleys.

Encouragement for the Journey

Courage in the face of difficulty is not merely about endurance; it is about triumph through faith. As Clinton points out, courage enables us to live God's purpose and love others even amidst life's challenges. While the storms may rage and the battles persist, we are never alone. Christ's victory assures us of ultimate triumph, and His Spirit strengthens us for every challenge.

Let us remember the promise of John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." With this assurance, we can face life's difficulties with unwavering courage, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.