“Be strong and of a good courage:” – Joshua 1:6
I recently read through the book of Joshua, and over and over again in that book, the Lord instructs Joshua to be courageous and strong! Certainly Joshua’s soldiers needed to demonstrate courage as they conquered cities and fought wars, but is courage important for a young girl, too? I got my answer when I asked my nine-year old what she thought I should write about this month. Without knowing what I had been thinking, she told me that a character trait that she thought girls needed was courage!
So what is courage and how can a girl demonstrate this important character quality? Courage can be defined many different ways, but here is one definition: Courage enables one to face danger or overwhelming circumstances without fear or retreat. It is being obedient and using the talents, or resources, that the Lord has given you in creative ways, even when faced with tremendous odds.
You aren’t a soldier in battle, fighting down the enemy. But what about that challenging math lesson? The one that sometimes makes you cry or takes two hours to finish? Sometimes a math lesson feels like an enemy, doesn’t it?! Do you need to show courage to finish that worksheet? I think so!
How about when mother asks you to clean up the kitchen and watch over your little brother or sister and you would rather go upstairs and read your book or be by yourself? It takes courage to obey her especially when you are left on your own and no adult is watching.
What about when a friend who you really like starts talking unkindly about another girl? Do you speak up courageously and risk losing the friendship with this girl whom you admire?
It takes courage to do what is right. It takes courage to speak the truth in love. It takes courage to act quickly in dangerous circumstances. Sometimes it even takes courage to forgive others who have wronged us. God promises that in those difficult situations, He will not fail us nor forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Look to the Lord and ask Him to give you the strength to do what is right and act courageously!
Here are some verses about courage to study with your mother:
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 56:3,4
Isaiah 41:13
A girl who responds to difficult situations courageously, is one who is becoming all glorious within!
Abigail strives to be a joyful wife to Scott and mother to their five blessings – Lily, Joseph, Grace, Emma, and Samuel. She enjoys homemaking, organizing, homeschooling, and bargain shopping.
Comments 1
Amen! This is wonderful! I’m going to get my girls onto this website. While at camp, 2 of my girls commited to be a better example to others, not just the lost, but the many who come to our church on the bus. That takes courage! But God will bless! Thank you for posting this!