“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Strong and Courageous
Back in 2007, an Ontario man who fought with a black bear that attacked his wife, a Vancouver woman who died trying to protect a stranger and a Newfoundland woman killed saving her brother were among 15 Canadians to be honoured for acts of courage. Mark Jordan of Mississauga, Ont., received the Star of Courage, awarded for “acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.” While the others received the Medal of Bravery, awarded for “acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.”
***
Most of us aren’t that brave. One of the reasons we give awards to those who have shown particular bravery in a challenging situation is because those acts of bravery are so rare. Followers of Jesus understand this – many find even sharing their faith with others, telling them what Jesus means to them and has done in their lives, a scary thing. They are afraid of rejection or not having all the answers. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to be strong and courageous, and I see that strength and courage in so many Christians who are facing persecution and opposition daily. These people are quite normal, and they deal with the same fear we do. But they have discovered that, as usual, God’s commands come with God’s promises. Joshua 1:9 says, “’Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’” So here is the secret – God’s presence is with us, empowering us to do what He calls us to, even to telling others about Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley