A Call to Courage!

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Does life intimidate you? Do you feel surrounded by those who would do you harm—computer hackers, dishonest business people, and even neighbors who take advantage of you?  The easiest thing in this type of environment would be to hide behind the walls of our homes and protect ourselves from the dangers that lie in wait.

I am speaking to Christian men and women, to those who are familiar with Him in some sense.  All our fear and all our panic result from a dimmed vision of the Lord, a dimmed consciousness of Christ.  I believe that is the trouble with us all today, individually and in Church life, all these tremors, all these fears result from lack of the sense of His presence.

But Jesus called His disciples to something different.  He asked them to have courage and strength in the face of some very frightening situations.  When Jesus walked on the water toward them as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe that this ghost-like figure was really their Savior.  He asked them to go out in pairs and preach in His name.  And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him for His final days.

The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage.  He is preparing some amazing opportunities for you to be His voice and hands.  But each one will take courage, a courage that you will not have without Jesus’ strength.  When faced with one of these terrifying opportunities, we have to decide whether to trust Jesus and accept His strength.  Once we have done that, then courage quickly follows.

So, don’t be afraid to speak clearly and openly what Christ has taught you, even if it costs you your church, your friends, and your life.  Or to put the point positively, be courageous to speak the truth of Scripture clearly and openly for all to hear even if it is unpopular and dangerous.

Through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can overcome our fears and walk in holy confidence because He is right by our side.

Allow me to conclude with this great old hymn written by Charles Wesley:

Surrounded by a host of foes,
Stormed by a host of foes within,
Nor swift to flee, nor strong to oppose,
Single, against hell, earth, and sin,
Single, yet undismayed, I am;
I dare believe in Jesus' name.

What though a thousand hosts engage
A thousand worlds, my soul to shake?
I have a shield shall quell their rage,
And drive the alien armies back;
Portrayed it bears a bleeding Lamb;
I dare believe in Jesus' name.

Me to retrieve from Satan's hands,
Me from this evil world to free,
To purge my sins, and loose my bands,
And save from all iniquity,
My Lord and God from heaven He came;
I dare believe in Jesus' name.

Salvation in His name there is,
Salvation from sin, death, and hell,
Salvation into glorious bliss
How great salvation, who can tell!
But all He hath for mine I claim;
I dare believe in Jesus' name.      

--Charles Wesley

Can God change your life?

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an amazing change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace with God.

God Is There With You!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

It is easy to say, “Praise the Lord!” when times are good.  It is easy to believe that God loves you when you are on the mountain top enjoying the sunshine.  But what happens when you are down in the dark valley surrounded by your enemies?  Maybe today, you are in the valley of marital, financial or physical trouble, and you are asking, “Where is God?”

How comforting it is to know that wherever we go God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and we wonder if God is paying attention. We may feel so alone and even depressed.  We can't feel God's presence, and we need His guidance and help.

Sometimes friends, spouses, and parents don't really understand what we are going through.  But God does and He cares.  God told Joshua to be strong and to have courage.  Then He told him a wonderful truth, "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Yes, that's right… wherever!  We don't have to feel all alone.  God is with us.  He is working out the problems, and we don't even realize it.

“O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" (Isaiah 43:1-3, 13)

My friend, He is right there with you.  You are never alone.  God is with you in your specific trials, not just throughout the year, or a month, or day, but in each hour, each minute, and each second! At the exact moment of hardship, God is present.  

According to Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us and providing for us, all with His unlimited resources.  What do we need?  Do we need strength, peace, love, joy, or hope?  He has it all.  He is longing to pour out His favor and blessing upon us.  We need to be open to Him and to trust Him.  We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us.  

It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us. This Scripture is awesome.  There is nothing that God doesn't know and cannot do for us.  He walks with us every moment of every day.  We need only to speak these Scriptures to our hearts.  

The devil can't stand it when we, in confidence, speak God's Word.  It builds faith in us and gives us the strength to stand firm. You can trust Him.  God is present and knows exactly what you’re facing, both the depth and the heat.   

Your greatest fear may be that you can’t endure the trial.  But as a result of God’s presence, you are strengthened, and He promises that what you face will not overwhelm you.  After all, He is “the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  And He is always with you. 

So whatever valley you are in today, don’t be afraid.  God is there with you strengthening and protecting you. Just praise His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you!

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him and 

experience an amazing change in your own life. 

Discover how you can find peace with God.