Courage: August 30, 2010

Today's Word for Monday August 30, 2010

COURAGE

DEFINITION

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.

SCRIPTURE

"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

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

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 not only Mordecai but 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 just as she and her maids would be doing. 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 as 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. What a wonderful illustration God gave us in this true story of Esther. Because she took her stand for the Lord, asked her people to pray and then proceeded to call on the King, God answered her prayers. He will do the same for us if we call on His name.

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.

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 a 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 knew 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 has had experiences when we have had to show courage during lonely times. Do you, in your times of distress, show the courage that these dedicated 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!

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

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.