As a child and maybe a teen, I used to watch a cartoon named Courage, The Cowardly Dog. Courage was afraid of everything! However, he was named Courage! How can you be courageous and be a coward? That was not the label God gave us. You were meant to be courageous. Joshua 1:9 says, “Be Strong and Courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
When I think of strength, I think of being strong. I think of being independent. However, God does not expect us to be strong by ourselves. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “And He said to me, My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” How does that even make sense? How can God show Himself strong in my weakness?
We have to become dependent, we have to trust. That’s how God shows Himself strong. We must become childlike in order for God to show His strength. Proverbs 3:5 says it clearly, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Courage the Cowardly Dog had an inner strength. Even though he was a coward when faced with an obstacle, he used his inner strength to overcome. God gave us The Holy Spirit which lives in each and every one of us (Ephe. 1:13). With the power of The Holy Spirit, we can stand up to anything. Be strong and Courageous!
