It takes courage to become a Christian and live a Christian life. Timothy almost missed his God-given call because he was fearful. Paul helped him to conquer his fears and fulfill his destiny. Paul told him, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7-8) My greatest fear in life was to speak in front of people. This scripture helped me face that fear and fulfill the call of God on my life!
Daniel had a courageous spirit, and so did his friends. “Daniel purposed in his heart he would not defile himself.” (Dan 1:8) In the fiery furnace, in the lion’s den, and in front of kings. When lions hunt, the old lions can’t run fast enough or far enough to catch the prey, but they can still roar. The young lions lie in wait on the opposite side of the prey. When the older lions roar, the prey runs away from the roar and right into the jaws of the young lions. The moral of the story is, run toward the ROAR of your life, the thing you fear most. Don’t run from it, run to it and conquer it! Come on Christians, it’s time to ROAR!
Five Things to Grow Your Courage
- See courage as foundational to being a Christian. Life is made up of choices: moral, relational, financial, and vocational. Daniel made some difficult choices, but they were good choices based on his biblical values. (Deut. 30:19) Without courage you will never fulfill your destiny. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life!
- Face your fears head on. Every time you miss an opportunity because of fear, it puts another brick in the wall keeping you from your destiny. God told Joshua multiple times, “Do not fear, be strong and very courageous.” God will never ask you to do what you cannot do, but He will often ask you to do what terrifies you. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Surround yourself with good role models. (Deut. 20:8) Daniel and his three friends had the same God-fearing, courageous spirit. “Our God is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, but even if He doesn’t, we will still not bow down to the golden idol.” (Dan 3:17-18) Increase your exposure to courageous people and their stories. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Know you have a covenant relationship with God almighty. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) God tells us what to do, He gives us the power and ability to do it, and then blesses us for doing it! What a deal! “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a Lion.” (Prov. 28:1) Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Let the fear of God be your biggest fear, the roar of your life! (Isa 8:12-13) “Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.” There is the fear of man and the fear of God. One is always going to be greater than the other. I’m afraid to do what God wants me to do, but I am more afraid of God!
Isaiah 42:13 “The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war, He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud He shall prevail against His enemies.” Warriors did this for two reasons: 1) To strike fear in the heart of their enemies! 2) To put courage into their own hearts!
It’s time for God’s Lions to ROAR! It’s time to come together, work together, and drive the enemy out of our homes, schools, businesses, and government. We need the resources and wisdom of the older lions and the strength and vigour of the young lions. Remember, the righteous are as Bold as a Lion!
Dr. George Hill
President and Founder, Victory Churches International