Courageously Encouraged!

The word “courage” comes from the Middle English “corage” and French “cuer” for heart or the Latin “cor” which refers to “more at heart”.
“Encourage” has the same root pointing to the idea of “heartening.” We know that someone who is courageous has a STRONG HEART to press on in the face of seeming insurmountable odds. To be “encouraged” is to have such a HEART instilled.

It has been said, “You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.” [source: bulletin one-liners]

Solomon stated…
“If you faint in the day of adversity, YOUR STRENGTH IS SMALL.”
( Proverbs 24:10 ESV)

There are situations in this life that seem able to take the HEART right out of some. And I know MY STRENGTH is not always what I need it to be.
Nevertheless I am encouraged that there is strength beyond myself on which I can depend. When facing adversity, the thing I must be mindful of doing is not focusing on how big (or small) I am, but on how big my God is.

Have you ever wondered how Paul could be so courageous in the face of great opposition? He had a marvelous way of being able to see the strength of God working through His weakness. (note 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And His focus seemed to rest on God’s power rather than his own. Where does our focus rest?

How big a HEART we have for pressing on in faith has a lot to do with how much it is focused on God and filled with the things associated with His Will! If our HEART is full of ourselves or worldly desires we will have difficulty finding the strength to press on in the face of adversity.

Let us resolve to develop the faith of Paul who could say…
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians
4:13 ESV)

Just like a weak HEART will reduce the strength of the physical body, so it is true spiritually. May our HEART be drawn faithfully toward God and His Will. Let it be encouraged by the faithfulness of God to His promises. By so doing, we will be able to maintain a STRONG HEART for faithful service to His glory.

Have a great day HEARTENED FOR PRESSING ON!
Carl

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