Have Faith November Issue

Day 17
There’s no Courage without Fear... Isaiah 41:10
This month marks the biggest landmark of
courage on our calender as you may have
noticed from the Remembrance article. We all
commemorate those who showed courage in
adversity in armed conflicts by our brave men
and women.
A thought comes to mind of the fear each
and every one of them experienced regardless
of whether they lived or died. As our title
implies, there has to be fear in order for
courage to be present. Those who read last
months edition may recall how I defined
courage. The presence of fear, yet the will to
go on. It is a massive attribute.
As a veteran, I know only too well, the effects
fear can have on our decision making and
actions. Yet I have never seen myself as
particularly courageous. I think at the time,
I did what I had to do through duty. I had
made a commitment and I saw it through. I
think many of our servicemen and women
adopt that same way of thinking. It kind of
keeps their feet planted on the ground during
the testing times. With the same thought in
mind, once Jesus had left his disciples, each
and every one of them lived a dangerous
life. Spreading the word of the Lord in times
where the penalties for doing so were death in
horrific ways. The very definition of courage
was so present here. Each one knowing that
at some point they would suffer for their
missions. In fact, all but one was executed.
Again the thought of their fear comes to mind.
Yet they never wavered from their own duty.
I think these are valuable inspirations when
we are called upon to show courage in our
daily lives. If you are experiencing fear over
a situation, bear in mind that it is simply a
process where courage will overcome. Indeed
at these moments fear is essential. At these
times pray for the strength to go on as those
before. Have Faith in the Lord to give you
strength and have Faith in yourself.
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