The Courage to Face Difficult Times in Life

It is very easy to handle life when things are going good. We can kind of go our merry way knowing our bills are paid, our children are doing well, we have the material things we need in life, our health is good etc. but what if one or more of these things go downhill...then what?



To have courage during the times of trials in our life is another matter.



Fear seems to be a human response to the trouble in our lives.


We need to dig down deep to the core of our being to find the courage to move forward believing things will work out and we will come through triumphantly!


THE DEFINITION FOR COURAGE


The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Having the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs and not letting Fear take over.





I have been a Christian for over 30 years now so I believe my Courage and Strength come from my Heavenly Father. In the Bible, God speaks to us today through His Word.



Take a look at what God says about Courage...

Joshua 1:3-9

I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you ... No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NLT)


1 Chronicles 28:20



David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. (NIV)


Psalm 27:1



The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (NKJV)


Psalm 56:3-4



When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (NIV)



Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)



Isaiah 41:13

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV)


Isaiah 54:4

Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. (NKJV)



Matthew 10:26

Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. (NKJV)



Matthew 10:28

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (NKJV)



Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (NIV)


2 Corinthians 4:7-11


But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. (NIV)

Philippians 1:12-14

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (NIV)



2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)


Hebrews 13:5-6

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)

1 Peter 3:13-14

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." (NIV)

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (NIV)

I know these Bible Verses have Encouraged me throught my life! I hope they will lift your spirits today knowing that there is a loving God who cares.

He wants to help us. Will you let Him?

God Richest Blessings,
Karen Connors