Courage to Act
Courage to Act
Categories: NEW AACC ARTICLES
Tim Clinton, Ed.D. and Max Davis
The term courage is derived from the Latin root cor, which literally means heart or core. The original use of the word courage meant to act according to one’s core. Many Christian men know what the Holy Spirit is speaking to them deep in the core of their being, yet, there’s no corresponding action. Courage is all about movement towards what you know is true. It’s learned in the moment you take that first step of faith. Sometimes courageous action means standing firm in your conviction in the face of opposition.
When men live courageously, amazing things happen. Healing and hope come when we have the courage to expose our wounds to the light of God’s truth and love. Families are restored. Jobs are created. Wars are won. “Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God,” said John Wesley, “and I will shake the world. I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; and such alone will overthrow the kingdom of Satan and build up the Kingdom of God on earth.”
The Apostle Paul was courageous. We already read about his praising God in the prison dungeon after being nearly flogged to death. Listen to this:
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:22-24 NIV).
Let us take courage and be moved to walk in faith believing that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
This devotional is an excerpt from Ignite Your Faith by Dr. Tim Clinton & Max Davis available at https://www.aacc.net/product/ignite-your-faith/.
Tim Clinton, Ed.D., LPC, LMFT (The College of William and Mary) is President of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. He is Professor of Counseling and Pastoral Care, and Executive Director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University. Licensed in Virginia as both a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist, Tim now spends a majority of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He is recognized as a world leader in faith and mental health issues and has authored over 20 books including Breakthrough: When to Give In, When to Push Back. Most importantly, Tim has been married 36 years to his wife Julie and together they have two children, Megan, who is married to Ben Allison and is practicing medicine in dermatology, and Zach, who plays baseball at Liberty University. In his free time, you’ll find him outdoors or at a game with family and friends.