I hope you enjoyed celebrating the birth of Christ with family and friends. Unfortunately, Christmas wasn’t too joyful for many men this year due to the loss of employment, relationships problems, mental health issues, sickness, and even death of family members and friends. It’s been a challenging year.

But all hope is not lost.

When men feel defeated, God has a message. And that message is found in Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and COURAGEOUS….”

It doesn’t seem to make sense that God would challenge you to be courageous in difficult times, or does it? I’m sure God does this for many reasons, but one reason for sure is to remind you of who you are in Christ. When men know who they are in Christ, they can walk in confidence, trusting the Lord for every situation courageously.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, courage is “the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”

In other words, courage is a man’s choice to continue despite challenges and uncertainty. My favorite definition of courage is this,

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

When you understand and accept who you are in Christ, you can take the next step. What you thought could not be accomplished now becomes possible. You discover that God truly is with you, that you are valuable, and that his calling and purpose for your life are real.

Now is the time for men, especially husbands, to rise and be courageous, not in our strength but in the power of God. But how does that happen? What are the steps to becoming courageous? Here are three tips that can help you become courageous.

1. Refresh your Spirit.

Men have a lot of responsibilities. They protect and provide, but they also must pray. I’ve heard it said that “Little prayer = little power. No prayer = no power. A lot of prayer = a lot of power.” Although we are saved by grace and can do nothing without Christ, there is truth in this reference. Spending time with the Lord is the primary source of refreshing for men. It is God’s presence that changes and strengthens a man. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23. Courageous men refresh their spirits.

2. Recharge your Mind.

The social pressure of manhood can be exhausting. Anxiety, grief & loss, fears, drug abuse, and sexual addiction are just a few of the common mental health challenges facing men today. The solution is to release the transforming power of God’s WORD into your life. “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” Romans 12:2. Courageous men recharge their minds.

3. Revitalize your Faith.

The pathway to victory starts with confession. The vulnerability of telling the truth, admitting sin, and being brutally honest with God brings freedom and revival. Don’t be too proud to repent and apologize to the Lord (and to your wife.) Now is the time for men to rise and call on the name of the Lord. “Revive me, LORD, according to Your word.” Psalm 119:107. Courageous men revitalize their faith.

Once you learn to refresh your spirit, recharge your mind and revitalize your faith, it will be easier to take the next step. You will know that you have been chosen and are wanted. As a result, you will develop more confidence as an individual, become bold for Christ, and discover a more profound purpose (1 Peter 2:9).

Nothing can stop a man who knows who he is in Christ. Therefore, I challenge you to make room for Christ in your life today purposely and every day.

God bless you.
Nick I. Gonzalez

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If you haven’t already done so, download a FREE sample of my new book, “Courageous Prayer Journal for Men” here: http://CourageousBook.com

The Marriage and Ministry course is coming soon! Thanks for your patience.

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Gilbert Hernandez

That was awesome, I needed that this morning. Keep em coming. Be blessed Pastor Nick!