Hope and Courage

Imagine for a moment you’re camping in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. As you snuggle into your sleeping bag, suddenly a huge shadow falls across the walls of your tent.

At such a moment, positive thinking can do a lot to relieve your fear. You might remind yourself that bears generally steer clear of humans.

On the other hand, maybe you’re thinking you are the bear’s ideal late-night snack. In which case, you don’t need positive thinking; you need courage.

Hope builds courage, not by denying reality, but through banking on absolute certainty.

If you are facing a big challenge right now, place your hope in the trustworthy promises of God, such as, “I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

When you are faced with fearful situations, have courage. Stand firm on God’s promises.

---

“Hope builds courage, not by denying reality, but through banking on absolute certainty.”

---

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”