Someone once said that, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers,” and for the individual isolated in their circumstances – the saying holds water.

But, for those who gather amongst the faithful, courage comes from the people of faith they surround themselves with. Those are the prayers we should covet as opposed to just our own.

“Be strong and courageous” is a phrase we see throughout scripture given to those facing daunting trials and assignments. Front to back, the Bible is full of stories that require one to be strong and courageous in order to complete a task, or overcome great odds that are against them.

At first glance, the definitions of the words “strong” and “courageous” may seem similar. But a way to see a difference is to view being strong as the ability to use the strength you have in the moment to stand firm, and to view being courageous as an ongoing firmness that comes from strengthened mental fortitude.

The phrase "be strong and courageous" means having the strength to face your current circumstances, and continuing to be mentally strong despite the ongoing obstacles that may wear on you over time.

As I said above, courage comes from the faithful you surround yourself with. It comes from encouragement, and, interestingly enough, encouragement is an attribute of one who prophesies according to 1 Corinthians 14:3:

“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)

All that to say, prophecy gives courage.

It’s the “good word” in bad circumstances. It’s the truth spoken to one another that will stand up in God’s court because true prophecy speaks to the truth of the matter that sometimes we can’t see.

Today, prophecy is meant mostly to advocate and not accuse. Most importantly, it needs to line up with God’s Word.

With that being said, if the “prophecies” you receive from the faithful you surround yourself with sound more like accusations than advocacy, you might want to consider their source.

The devil was once the accuser who had access to God to remind Him of all our unrighteousness, but has since been replaced by Jesus, our advocate, who sits at the right hand of God on His throne.

The best the devil can do now is accuse us personally by our own listening ears, or through others who are focused on the problem instead of the promise.

This is why we are called to advocate for each other. The enemy will likely try to overwhelm you during hard circumstances, and what we need the most during those times is someone praying for us not against us.

This is what builds courage, and it should be a benefit of surrounding ourselves with those of the faith.

We should not have to live in fear of the exposure of our shortcomings, unbelief, or fears. Instead, our safety and courage should come from the faithful advocating for our victory, through word or deed, as we walk through the shadows of death.

Every believer has the ability to do this. It’s a gift of the Spirit, and it is one that must be practiced and developed because God’s word in our life is required for overcoming difficult circumstances.

Be strong and courageous!

Dean