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

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