Be Courageous
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
There are many scriptures telling us to be courageous because it shows our faith in knowing God is with us. For example, we need courage to stand for Christ in the midst of non-Christians, and to minister to someone who we had rather not approach. We need courage to fight this spiritual war, bringing God’s light into the darkness of this world.
The Lord will fill our hearts with his love as we witness to people, but if we lack courage will our hearts be filled with love? A heart filled with God’s love is what makes us like Jesus, draws us closer to the Lord, and this love motivates to us to witness to people. With hearts of love, we develop courage, even courage to die for Christ.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) We strive to live as long as possible. If we are courageous, we will never deny Christ. Many Christians are dying as martyrs because they will not deny Christ in face of death.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV) If we overcome fear, we will be courageous. We pray for the Lord to be with us and for his strength and power to fulfill his will. Our faith is shown to God when we serve him with courage.
When Jesus was in the garden just before his arrest, he prayed the following. Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. (Luke 22:42) Jesus was asking the Father for another way to save mankind, but instead the Father sent an angel to strengthen him. Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. (Luke 22:43) When the angel came, Jesus knew the Father would give the strength to endure the flogging and the crucifixion. We have the same strength and courage because the Lord promises he will always be with us. He will strengthen us, help us, and hold us in his righteous, right hand.
We need to be courageous is when we are tempted by Satan. No matter how much we enjoy the sinful behavior, we must have the courage to stand for Christ. Satan tempts us to love the sinful desire more than we love the Lord.
Today, stand with courage and reflect Jesus to everyone. Seek and pray for opportunities to tell others about Christ. Remember, Light always takes away darkness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to always live with the courage to fulfill your divine will and to never let Satan destroy my courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.