Webster defines courage as the quality of being brave.It's not about being boastful or cocky, or maangas, in colorful Pinoy. Angas is hollow and intended for show.
Genuine courage compels one to risk his life and convenience, and to stand strong in spite of opposition.
It may be best to demonstrate the concept through characters familiar to us.
Ninoy Aquino manifested courage. He came back to his beloved Philippines—and from a life of comfort in his country of exile—though assassination and imprisonment loomed; as an autocratic regime shamelessly held on to power even if its mandate from the people had clearly expired.
Moses braved imprisonment and rejection by his own people. Notwithstanding his initial hesitation and inability to speak well, he squared off with Pharaoh as he demanded freedom for the Israelites.
In both of these cases, courage gave birth to both nations freeing themselves from abusive regimes.
But we realize too from these stories that the courage of one could not by itself carry a nation to total freedom.
You know the text:
The Philippines todate continues to grapple with corruption—in grander proportions, with the money trail being traced back to the highest corridors of power, Congress.
Moses’ Israel plunged even deeper, with idolatrous practices prevailing and the Jews yearning for the comforts of Egypt even if the land of milk and honey awaited them—guaranteed by the powerful God who protected and provided for them in spite of their insolence.
Euphoria led to discouragement to disillusionment. Back to square one.
Because courage is not for heroes alone. It’s part of God’s armor we individually clothe ourselves with daily.
If the devil could not scare us with diseases, loneliness or lack, he will attack us and will mostly be successful with keeping us discouraged, Pastor Robert Solijon taught us recently.
It is easy to be discouraged and fearful when the media daily dumps on us corruption, crime and calamity stories.
It is easy to come unhinged when you realize that because of your inadequate earnings, your daughter could not be enrolled next term; or when, in spite of your having taught him well, your son chooses to live with another guy.
But we know of no other option: To turn to the One who has won the victory for us more than two thousand years ago.
Paul encourages us in Hebrews 12:2 to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus intercedes for us day and night, 24/7.
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” Hebrews 12:3.
“Pray and obey for there’s no other way,” should continue to resonate in our hearts. Pray and obey and see the impossible turn possible.
For our nation, it all comes down to this:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)
Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/08/dont-diss-your-courage/
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