Courage and Confidence

Matthew 14:27, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 31:24, II Corinthians 3:4-5, Ephesians 3:12

“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'”

~ Matthew 14:27, NIV

This is an imperative statement from christ and the infinitive verb is stated in the present tense take. An imperative sentence in the English language always has an “understood” You in front of it. This makes it, obviously, an imperative command to the disciples in their moment of fear.

What is the definition of take?

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, take means “to receive what is offered.”

So then, courage isn’t something we achieve. It’s something we receive.

Christ was telling His disciples to receive the courage He was offering them. They could not have courage without Him.

Similarly, we see the encouragement to “take heart” in other passages of Scripture.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

~ Psalm 27:14, NIV

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

~ Psalm 31:24, NIV

How am I…

Trusting in God’s faithfulness to have faith?

Fearing the Lord to receive His courage that replaces discouragement and fear?

Taking heart to have confidence both in and before Christ?

“Such Confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

~ II Corinthians 3:4-5, NIV

“In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

~ Ephesians 3:12, NIV