Pastor’s Column | Use the courage within you

Three times, in Joshua chapter one, God tells Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” In verse seven, He says, “Be strong and very courageous.” God didn’t repeat Himself because Joshua was a slow learner or because he was not listening the first two times. No, the Lord wanted Joshua to understand clearly he was to lead His people with the backbone of courage. I believe that most of us have more courage than we realize. When I have been tested, I have found courage deep within to do things I never thought possible. Courage, we all have it, we just don’t realize it.

Former Michigan State University football coach Duffy Daugherty wanted his Spartan team to have a philosophy of life. He encouraged each of his players to have a three-bone philosophy.

First, a funnybone; to have a sense of humor. Second, a wishbone; to dream big, think big, set high goals, go for the gold. Finally, a backbone; to have the courage to get up and go, the desire to excel, the motivation to do your part in making your dreams and goals become a reality. The bottom line is that courage is the incentive to make you dream big dreams and the drive to see your dreams come true.

It takes courage to excel, to be different from the crowd. It takes courage to sacrifice, to hold nothing back. It takes courage to do your best and to be the best, it’s easy to be average. It takes courage to keep fighting when you’re losing. It takes courage to push yourself, to not breakdown but to breakthrough and break barriers. It takes courage to dig deep inside yourself and find that extra 10 percent.

Most people are unaware that they possess this type of courage. Why? Because they are afraid to be tested, afraid to take the risk. They just play it safe. It is too risky to “Go for it!” I believe as God spoke to Joshua, He is speaking to you right now; “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for I will be with you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9). Now is the time to use the courage within you ... to get up and go for it!

The Rev. J. Patrick Street is senior pastor, Salem Evangelical Church, Marion. Email him atstreetfca@hotmail.com. Follow Pat Street on Facebook.