Courage: June 26, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2009

COURAGE

Defined by Webster:

The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain without fear; bravery; to act in accordance with ones belief.


GODS WORD

“I will go to the King, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid, for the Lord your God, He is the one that goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

In the book of Esther we read about Mordecai, a Jew in exile, who refused to bow to Haman who was second in command to King Ahasuerus. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. Haman then deceived the King and persuaded him to issue an edict condemning the Jews to death. Then Mordecai told his cousin Queen Esther and asked her to intervene.

Esther recognized that God had placed her in the palace for a reason and she alone had a chance to save her people. It would require courage on her part as she would be putting her own life in danger. She knew that approaching the King without an invitation was punishable by death. She also recognized she could not do it alone. She needed God’s help.

Esther then asked Mordecai to have all the Jews pray and fast for three days with her and her maids. Then, after three days, Esther went to the King to ask him to save her people.

The King saw her and invited her in and asked what her desire was. God went before Esther and answered her prayers and her courage was rewarded because the Jewish people were saved. [Esther 4:16]

Like Esther, when we have an opportunity to stand for what is right, even though we put ourselves in danger, we must have the courage to do it.

God has allowed us to travel to almost every corner of the world. This has allowed us to meet hundreds of people that have shown unbelievable courage during their lifetime. We have met many people who have shown real courage during times of real personal crises. Having courage is a triumph over fear. We remember talking to a young pastor in Kenya who was praying for a bicycle so he could ride to the three churches he pastored. He was walking daily to get to his churches through areas where robbers and thugs hung out. A bicycle would allow him to spend so much more time with the people he was ministering to regularly. What courage he showed us as he pastored his three Churches.

During our College days at Wheaton College, we were shocked and emotionally moved, as was our whole campus, with the announcement of the five Wheaton Alumni who were killed by the Auca Indians in Ecuador. These five dedicated missionaries had gone to this part of the world where no white man, let alone missionary had ever been. They were prepared to share their faith and translate the scriptures into their language. They went knowing it could cost them their lives.

But God had a better idea and used their deaths to open many more doors for God to be glorified not only in Ecuador but around the world. BUT WHAT COURAGE THESE FIVE YOUNG MEN SHOWED THE WORLD. One of the five, Jim Elliott wrote before he went to Ecuador:

“HE IS NO FOOL WHO GIVES WHAT HE CANNOT KEEP
TO GAIN WHAT HE CANNOT LOSE.”

These people all had courage in facing the crises in their lives. Each of us have had experiences when we have had to show courage during lonely times. Do you, in your times of distress, show the courage that these dear people showed? They showed courage because they believed that God would supply their need. And let us tell you that in each of these cases God did provide!

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Give me the courage today to represent you dear Lord to my family, friends and associates in a new and special way. Give me the faith to expect great things from you today. Help me to face the difficult things without fear or concern knowing that you are with me every moment of this day.