“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be
men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Even the most committed believer has those
times when anxiety and suffering can overtake us. Or we are just plain discouraged. If that is the case, you might be surprised to
know that even the great apostle Paul experienced emotions like this. Paul writes of the early Corinthian church as
being always of good courage. Surely,
the early Christians were not without fear or anxiety as they regularly
experienced incredible hardship, intense danger, and acute suffering.
Paul was commenting on their unwavering
recognition of God’s presence in their lives. Their courage was not the absence
of fear or the denial of danger, but it was confidence in the truth of God’s
promises to them; the will to act in faith even when fear threatened to
paralyze them.
These are the words we need on a daily basis
when we feel alone or discouraged. Be
of good courage. These are the words
we need when we become painfully aware that we are not that good, smart, or
strong. Be of good courage. These are the words we need when the
circumstances of life threaten to paralyze us with fear. It is during these moments that we must
remember God’s words to Joshua, “…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Be strong and courageous…” (Joshua 10:25)
As we head out each day to fight new battles,
and new kingdom opportunities, will you join me in praying for good courage for
each other, and for the church in America?
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