It comes as no surprise that the English word courage comes from the Old French word corage, from the Latin cor—or “heart.” The connection between courage (and its opposite, fear) and the heart appears in Luke 21:26 describing the End Times: “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” Some modern translations render this as “fainting from fear” brought on by expectations and apprehensions.
The need for courage almost always comes from expectations and apprehensions about the future. That was certainly true for King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Armies from three nations had surrounded Jerusalem, and the future looked grim. But rather than look at the armies bent on Judah’s destruction, Jehoshaphat turned his eyes elsewhere: “We have no power against this great multitude . . . but our eyes are upon You.”
If you are surrounded by forces too strong for you, take a giant leap of courage: Turn your eyes upon God and away from what you fear.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
Helen Lemmel
Credit : Turning Point Ministries
