Take Courage

And God said to Joshua:
    "Be strong, and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them." Joshua Ch. 1, vs. 6.
     What does it mean to take courage?  Its easier to say that to do, isn't it?
     Courage is often identified with conspicuous acts of heroism, as it is portrayed with great effect in movies, or in stirring tales, like the biblical story of Joshua, truly a great general and one of the finest motivators of all time.  I also think of Mary, consenting to become the mother of God's special Child.  Apart from such exceptional examples, what does courage mean to you and to me?
St. Paul gives us a memorable answer in his letter to the Ephesians:
   "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.  Put  on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  Ephesians Ch. 6, vs. 10 and following.
In this life, as C.S. Lewis once observed, every moment in time is claimed by God and counter-claimed by satan. But, Saint Paul reminds us, God has given us His armor for protection and deliverance:
   Truth to preserve our inward parts;
   Righteousness to put on like a bulletproof vest;
   Peace to guide our steps;
   Faith to hold like a shield, quenching all the fiery darts that are hurled at us;
   Salvation to crown our thinking;
   The Word of God to cut through all spiritual opposition, and
   Prayer to keep us alert, effective, patient, and loving at all times. 
Have you put on the whole armor of God?  How well are you using it?
As God said to Joshua:
   Be strong, and very courageous; be not frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Ch. 1, vs. 9.
Take courage.