The courage of those men who fought and won World War II fascinates me. And through the years as I've read books and watched documentaries on that war, I've often wondered just where that courage came from.

But I'm more impressed with the courage it takes for Christians to fight and win their spiritual battles (Eph. 6:10-f). It takes every bit as much courage to live the life of the Christian as it took to storm the beaches on D-Day. Living for Christ is not for "wimps." It takes no fortitude to "go with the flow" and do the things everyone else is doing. To the contrary, it takes courage to be strong and stand (Eph. 6:10-f) and to change our lives so drastically that others "think it strange that ye run not with them" (1 Pet. 4:4).

But, where does the courage come from to fight both physical and, more importantly, spiritual battles? Many reasons come to mind but in his great discourse on men and women of courage, the Hebrew writer put his finger on the true source: courage comes from faith; faith in a number of things.

Courage comes from faith in ourselves. No, not the humanistic philosophy of "I need no one but myself," but an attitude of confidence that I can do and be anything God wants from me. Spiritual pessimism is the source of much apostasy. None can separate us from God's love (Rom. 8:31-f) and He expects of us no more than we can do (1 Cor. 10:13).

Courage comes from faith in others. Paul told the Philippians to "mark" certain ones for the purpose of imitating them, Phil. 3:1, and the Hebrew writer specifies who he is talking about in chapter 11. It is inspiring to see the courageous faith of Ruth as she follows Naomi and who has not been moved by Esther's courage as she beseeches the king in behalf of her people? Others before me have displayed great courage and lived a godly life and so I can, and so I must.

Courage comes from knowing that others have faith in me. Paul "thanked God and took courage" when he arrived in Italy and brethren came from some distance to meet him (Acts 28:15). A kind word to a struggling teen; an encouraging comment to someone fighting temptation or living in circumstances which make it difficult to seve God faithfully. All these "little" things matter and might make a huge difference in someone's life.

Courage comes from faith in the future. Paul spoke of an "earnest expectation" ("a watching with outstretched head", Rom. 8:18-19). Nothing is quite as dispiriting as believing nothing awaits us after this life is over. Paul spoke of a resurrection in which we shall be changed (1 Cor. 15) and John saw a time when we shall be like the Lord and see him as he is (1 Jo. 3:2), when all that is evil in this life will not be present (Rev. 21:3-4). When my faith weakens in what lies ahead so will the courage it takes to achieve it.

A courage inspired by faith caused men half a century ago to fight battles that won for our generation many precious freedoms in a country which someday will fall as has all others. A similar courage is needed today to win an incorruptible crown that doesn't fade away (1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Pet. 1:4) in a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28).