Grace to Be Strong and CourageousSample

What is courage?

I remember sending my children to school the first time, my heart a stone in my feet. I smiled as I told them about exciting new opportunities. But I also warned them, “There will be some people who may be mean or hurt you. But don’t be afraid. Mom or Dad will always be here for you.”

As our sons grew, they learned to handle situations on their own and face uncomfortable circumstances with courage. As adults, the truths we taught them endured. We’re still there for them. They need only to call our name. 

Jesus is much the same. He spent three years with his disciples only to send them into the world without his physical presence. It was exciting! But there was also some scary stuff. 

One day, when Jesus was speaking to his disciples, He laid out a series of horrifying circumstances.  They would be expelled by their religious leaders and even murdered. He then said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world."~ John 16:33 NASB

Can you imagine being told you were going to be murdered? But still, Jesus wanted them to have peace.  He told them, “Don't worry or surrender to your fear. Instead, be courageous!" ~John 14:1,27 TPT

I'm not always strong and courageous. Sometimes I act like the disciples did when an unexpected storm rolled in. Jesus slept while the waves crashed around them. The disciples were certain the boat would sink, and they would drown. They went to wake Jesus. I imagine they shouted above the raging winds as they shook their teacher. "Jesus, Get up! We're all about to die!"

 Jesus responded, "Why are you so afraid? Where's your faith?"

They may have thought, "Afraid!? Well, maybe because I DON"T WANT TO DROWN! Jesus didn't say anything more. He showed them how to ACT IN FAITH. He rebuked the storm. This got their attention. They no longer focused on the storm, but on what Jesus said and DID!

Courage, my friend, isn’t a feeling. It’s a response! It is bold action, undeterred by fear, amid terrifying trouble, trials, and tribulations.

Let’s Pray:

Father, grant us courage today as we rise and act in faith where you lead us. May we courageously love one another. Amen.