Courage & Strength

Courage is a virtue that calls us to move ever forward in crossing whatever mountains or deserts loom in our lives. One of my favorite scripture is found in the Bible and it reads, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”(Joshua 1:9) As I have reflected back on this scripture numerous times, I have come to a conclusion that this is one of the hardest virtues to obtain without faith. In this life, we will be given trials, challenges, or even struggles that may seem to hard for us to endure. But God knows each and everyone of us individually and He will never give us challenges and trials that we cannot bear. [The] guides from the book of Joshua will combine to provide the most powerful source of courage and strength there is: faith in our Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I love the story of Ammon and his brother Aaron in the Book of Mormon. As they were out serving the Lord they faced so many challenges. But they knew that if they didn't put their trust in the Lord, they would never have the strength to accomplish whatever they were sent out to do. Ammon says something very powerful that we can all apply it to ourselves: "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12) We are nothing without God!
We have come to this earth at a glorious time. The opportunities before us are limitless. It is a remarkable period when opportunities abound, but we also face challenges that are unique to us at this time. President Monson in his April 2009 General Conference talk said, "As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you—at this time of your life and in this world—will need particularly. That attribute is courage." He continues by sharing three aspects that we need in our lives to be courageous: to have the courage required to refrain from judging others, the courage to be chaste and virtuous, and the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. The one that I would want to talk about is the third one, 'the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness.'
When President Monson addressed his concern on this last principle he said it powerfully and with love.
"My final plea tonight is that you have the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to allow derisive comments and criticism of the Church to cause you to question and doubt. Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe."
With the courage of our convictions, may we declare with the Apostle Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” (Romans 1:16) As we nourish our faith by immersing ourselves in the scriptures daily, praying with a sincere heart, and trusting in the Lord we will have the strength and courage to overcome all obstacles that come our way. I know that Satan lives, that he is a powerful personage of spirit, the archenemy of God, of man, and of righteousness. And he will try his very best to ensnare, to deceive, and put thoughts in our minds that will lead us to destruction. But as we continue to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, our faith will overpower the enemy.
I know that the challenges I go through are for my own growth. As I have put my trust in the Lord and strive to be worthy of the Spirit, I have been given the courage and strength to overcome the enemy. I am still overcoming my trials, but I know that God loves me and everything will work out if I continue to endure through these challenging times.