Courage is not the absence of fear.  Courage is the determination to not let fear stop you.  People with courage do it afraid.  “Good Courage” is a faith driven boldness.  Faith always overcomes fear.  If you desire to be a courageous leader who overcomes fear and uncertainty to get the job done, become a faith-filled leader.  Anyone who finds themselves in a position of leadership will most certainly encounter either a cavernous uncertainty or an overwhelming crisis that will require courage. I love the way Paul frames the concept of faith-filled courage with an eternal perspective:

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.  Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord for we walk by faith, not by sight…we are of good courage. (2 Corinthians 5:5-8a NASB)

No matter what challenges you are facing today, face them with “Good Courage”.  Frame your difficulties in the context of eternity and God’s bigger purpose.  You are never alone.  Take full advantage of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life.  After all, the Holy Spirit is also called “The Comforter” who brings peace that passes understanding.  Walking by faith is simply taking the next step without any assurance of safety or reward.  Walking by faith and not by sight is truly a prayer journey that prefers spiritual insight over seeing tangible evidence.  Ask “The Comforter” to help you and learn to trust God with your entire journey…even the difficult and scary times.

One final thought:  This is just our temporary home.  This life and all its struggles will someday pass.  Pause to ponder the promise of your eternal home.  Try to hold onto the assurance of the eternal hope you have in Christ Jesus.  This life is all about that life.  You are part of God’s big eternal purpose and plan.  He has promised to work all things together for our good and for His glory.  Never lose sight of the fact that God is in control and He is working out His eternal plan and purpose both in and through you.  Be of “Good Courage”…and by faith, find joy in the adventure today.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

~ C. S. Lewis