167 Sermon Illustrations on Courage

It is related that an eminent scientist, with his wife and brother, were sailing one moonlight evening on Lake Geneva. It became necessary to climb the mast to adjust a rope, when the boat capsized, and in a moment all three were struggling in the water. The lady, who was an extremely cultivated woman, coolly called to her companions, “I will not take hold of you, but come to me and let me put my hands upon your shoulders.” Which they did, and she was buoyed up for half an hour until all were saved. It was her mastery of herself that made it possible for them to rescue her.--JAMES T. WHITE, “Character Lessons.”

Robert Vernon, assistant chief of police of Los Angeles P.D., was attending a Raiders football game. After victory, mob tried to tear down goal posts. Beat up 2 private security men. Were going to rough up 2 policemen. Bob had left stadium, heard police call, went back with son. He was afraid to get involved because mob action is so unpredictable. People will do things in a mob they'd never do individually. Bob rationalized, then realized he had to step in. He addressed the crowd individually to get them to think. Very touchy situation. He credits God with turning the crowd around. He's a teaching elder in Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California. He believes integrity is crucial to police work. Also believes Christians must be willing to take a stand for God. Saying "I am a Christian" takes courage.

When a majority pushes a minority up against the wall, it foolishly forgets Gracian's worldly wisdom expressed three centuries ago: "Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose."

In 1978 two psychologists at Georgia State University gave it a name: the "Imposter Phenomenon". Those who suffer from this phenomenon believe that they don't really deserve their successes; they're phonies who have somehow "gotten away with it". And because they dread being exposed as fakes, they fear any potential failure that might bring an imaginary house of cards tumbling down around them.

1. Toward a New View of God.

Paul could live at peace with himself and resist the fear of man only

because he had a clear understanding of where he stood with God.

He not only was liberated from his fear of man, but he could glory in his

humanity.

Failure brings to the surface our deepest concepts of God.

2. God's View of Failure.

a. He expects it.

b. He forgives it.

c. He uses it.

d. He sees past it.

e. He sees its value.

God wants to test our commitment and teach us how to depend on Him-- even

at the risk of looking like a failure.

3. Living Courageously

a. By being realistic and responsible.

b. By faith.

c. By giving up the false security in failure.

d. By spiritual warfare.

e. By keeping the ultimate goal in mind and refusing false yardsticks of

success.

f. By living in today.

Hannah Whitall Smith writes, "Sanctification is not a thing to be picked

up at a certain stage of oour experience, and forever possessed, but

it is a life to be lived day by day, and hour by hour."

4. The Blessing of Failure

Failure refines and teaches us in ways that success cannot. It brings us to

God for forgiveness, mercy, and new power to re-enter the battlefield. It

sensitizes us to others and humbles us for the real call of God on our

lives: servanthood. And it causes us to put all our confidence in Christ.

Tim Bowden, in his book "One Crowded Hour" about cameraman Neil Davis, tells about an incident that happened in Borneo during the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia in 1964. A group of Gurkhas from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat against the Indonesians if the need arose. The Gurkhas has the right to turn down the request because they had never been trained as paratroopers. Bowden quotes Davis's account of the story:

"Now the Gurkhas usually agreed to anything, but on this occasion they provisionally rejected the plan. But the next day one of their NCO'S sought out the British officer who had made the request and said they had discussed the matter further and would be prepared to jump under certain conditions.

"What are they?" asked the British officer.

"The Gurkhas told him they would jump if the land was marshy or reasonably soft with no rocky outcrops, because they were inexperienced in falling. The British officer considered this, and said that the dropping area would almost certainly be over jungle, and there would not be rocky outcrop, so that seemed all right. Was there anything else?

"Yes," said the Gurkhas. They wanted the plane to fly as slowly as possible and no more than one hundred feet high. The British officer pointed out the planes always did fly as slowly as possible when dropping troops, but to jump from one hundred feet was impossible, because the parachutes would not open in time from that height.

"Oh," said the Gurkhas, "that's all right, then. We'll jump with parachutes anywhere. You didn't mention parachutes before!"

Any church could use such Gurkha-like commitment and courage.

{see #5814 for briefer variant}

Old Testament Heroes sermon series: Joshua.

Joshua 1:5-9

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

I. Joshua's background.

A. His name.

B. His significance.

C. His daunting task. 1:7

II. The fear of failure.

A. Joshua had plenty to worry about. 7:7

B. The "Imposter Phenomenon."

III. How Joshua overcame failure.

A. He had an accurate assessment of himself. 3:7

B. He had a strong faith in God. 1:8; 5:13-15

C. He had his priorities right. 8:30-35

D. He dared to take risks. Num 14:6-8

IV. The influence of courageous leaders.

A. Courageous leaders make an impact.

B. Following the leader.

V. Joshua's invitation.

A. All of God's good promises came true. 23:14

B. Choose whom you will serve. 24:15

Joke about Texan who was so rich everyone in area wanted to marry his daughter. He invited all the young men over for a party. When they got there, they found he had stocked his swimming pool with 30 alligators. He lined them all up on one side and announced, "Whoever can swim across this alligator-infested swimming pool can have my daughter's hand in marriage." They all stood there looking at each other, none of them about to do that.

All of a sudden there was a big splash as one of them jumped in the water and began swimming furiously. The alligators converged on him and snapping at him, and as he pulled himself out of the other end one just missed locking on his leg. He rolls on the side of the swimming pool gasping for breath. The big Texan goes over and says, "Congratulations, son, you get my daughter's hand in marriage." "I couldn't care less about your daughter -- I just want to get my hands on the guy that pushed me in the water!"

===================================

Another version:

A very wealthy man bought a huge ranch in Arizona and he invited some of his closest associates to see it. After touring some of the 1,500 acres of mountains and rivers and grasslands, he took everybody to the house. The house was as spectacular as the scenery, and out back was the largest swimming pool you have ever seen. However, this gigantic swimming pool was filled with alligators.

The rich owner explained this way: “I value courage more than anything else. Courage is what made me a billionaire. In fact, I think that courage is such a powerful virtue that if anybody is courageous enough to jump in that pool, swim through those alligators and make it to the other side, I’ll give them anything they want, anything -- my house, my land, my money.”

Of course, everybody laughed at the absurd challenge and proceeded to follow the owner into the house for lunch ... when they suddenly heard a splash. Turning around they saw this guy swimming for his life across the pool, thrashing at the water, as the alligators swarmed after him. After several death-defying seconds, the man made it, unharmed, to the other side.

Our rich host was absolutely amazed, but he stuck to his promise. He said, “You are indeed, a man of courage and I will stick to my word. What do you want? You can have anything -- my house, my land, my money,-just tell me what you want and it is yours.”

The swimmer, breathing heavily, looked up at the host and said, “I just want to know one thing -- who pushed me in that pool?”

________

Dr. Charles Garfield

=======================================

A third version:

Once there was a millionaire who collected live alligators. He kept them in the pool in back of his mansion. The millionaire also had a beautiful single daughter. So one day he decides to throw a huge party, and during the party he announces: “My dear guests, I have a proposition to every man here. I will give one million dollars or my daughter to the man that can swim across this pool full of alligators and emerge unharmed!”

As soon as he finished his last word there was the sound of a large SPLASH! One guy was in the pool, swimming as fast as he could, and the crowd was cheering him on. Finally he made it to the other side unharmed.

The millionaire was impressed. He said “My boy that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn’t think it could be done! Well I must keep my end of the bargain, so which do you want: my daughter or the one million dollars?

The guy says “Listen I don’t want your money! And I don’t want your daughter! I just want the goober who pushed me into that pool!"

Poem on courage by an unknown author:

God, make me brave for life: oh, braver than this.

Let me straighten after pain, as a tree straightens after the rain,

Shining and lovely again.

God, make me brave for life; much braver than this.

As the blown grass lifts, let me rise

From sorrow with quiet eyes,

Knowing Thy way is wise.

God, make me brave, life brings

Such blinding things.

Help me to keep my sight;

Help me to see aright

That out of dark comes light.

In AD 398 John Chrysostom was appointed church leader at Constantinople against his will. His inspired preaching against sin and greed infuriated the empress who conspired with other opponents to have him charged with heresy and deposed. But he was soon recalled to leadership.

A silver statue of Empress Eudoxia was placed near John’s cathedral. The dedication ceremony for the statue turned so wild and licentious that church services were disrupted. John paused in his sermon and in obvious reference to Empress Eudoxia exclaimed; “Again, Herodias is raging, again she is dancing, again she demands the head of John on the platter.”

The emperor ordered John’s removal from the cathedral. But he refused to leave, insisting God had placed him there. Armed guards were sent in to seize him during the Easter vigil. Female baptismal candidates were undressing for baptism when soldiers ruthlessly forced them into the streets. After John’s forced removal the cathedral was set on fire, which officials blamed on John’s followers.

He was ordered, “Walk till you die!” and died in exile in AD 407.

This story was told by an old priest one Sunday. It is a true story of when

he served in the military.

One day their drill sergeant came out and threw a hand grenade into a group

of young soldiers. The men all ran away and took cover away from the

grenade. Then the drill sergeant told them that the grenade was not set to

explode and he just did it to see their reaction. The next day a newly

recruited soldier joined the group. The drill sergeant told the other

soldiers not to tell the new soldier what was going to happen. As the drill

sergeant came out and threw the grenade into the crowd of soldiers, the new

soldier, not knowing it wasn't going to explode, threw himself on top of the

grenade to prevent it from killing the other men. He was willing to die for

his fellow soldiers.

That year the young man was awarded the only medal for courage and bravery

that had not been won during battle.

__________________

Kim Noone, from A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Copyright 1996 by Jack

Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Barry Spilchuk

==================================

Here is a more detailed version by an eye-witness of a similar (same?) event as told in HeroicStories #109: 18 January 2000, www.HeroicStories.com

Johnny Leo, USAF

By Fred T. Beeman

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Back in 1968, the Vietnam "War" was in full force, and to avoid being drafted by either the Leathernecks or the Army, I enlisted into the U.S. Air Force. I was 18 and very "innocent" about the ways of the world.

Although all 60 of the occupants of Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas) barracks were "unique", Johnny Leo (not his real name) stood out, because of his playful antics and harmless practical jokes. No one in our group knew of Eddie Murphy in those days, but Johnny Leo could have been Eddie's clone or twin brother.

Because Johnny was always clowning around, no one believed that Johnny had a serious side. But on one fateful day we witnessed it, and all of our lives were instantly and forever changed.

As part of our basic training, early morning "formation marching" was something we could always expect. On this Friday morning, as we marched in formation toward the mess hall, a shiny metal ball about the size of a human fist came sailing out of nowhere, landing a few feet away from Johnny Leo, who wasn't all that far away from me. Simultaneously, I heard a drill sergeant scream "GRENADE!"

With no hesitation whatsoever, Johnny Leo shoved two other recruits away from the "pineapple", fell to his knees, placed both his hands on it, hugged it to his stomach and lay down on top of it, his eyes tightly closed, mumbling prayers.

Tears flowed from my eyes as I realized what Johnny was doing. He intended to absorb the entire blast, saving his comrades from either death or permanent injury. An eternity passed for all of us, as we stood watching Johnny, waiting for the explosion, too scared to move.

Another drill sergeant came racing toward Johnny, who was still laying on the grenade, with his eyes tightly shut. The sergeant yelled, "At ease, soldier! It's a fake! YOU ARE IN NO DANGER!" Johnny refused to budge from his position, certain that his life was over. Two drill sergeants rolled Johnny on his back and forcibly pried his fingers off the dummy grenade. Once that was done, one held up the replica saying, "See? IT'S NOT REAL!" Johnny, who had been emotionally at Heaven's Gate, began to cry and shake uncontrollably, as did the rest of us in his barracks.

As Johnny was carried off by two sergeants to the base hospital to be calmed down and checked over, one of our sergeants confided to us that a few times a year, Air Force personnel deliberately toss a dummy grenade into a group of raw recruits, searching for that ONE man who will react like Johnny Leo. Although it appears to be a sick practical joke, the Air Force made no apologies for its methods.

On a Friday in 1968, Johnny Leo unintentionally demonstrated his love for his fellow Airmen, showed he had "the right stuff," and became our "hero" forever.

*

Two small boys walked into the dentist's office. One of them said bravely, "I want a tooth taken out and I don't want any gas, and I don't want it deadened . . . because we're in a hurry!" The dentist said, "You're quite a brave young man. Which tooth is it?" The boy turned to his smaller friend and said, "Show him your tooth, Albert."

The world is full of volunteers like that. We're anxious to have something happen -- to someone else! We don't mind God changing the world -- as long as He doesn't bring any pain into our lives.

Latimer was raised to the bishopric of Worcester in the reign of Henry VIII. It was the custom of those days for each of the bishops to make presents to the King on New Year's Day. Latimer went with the rest of his brethren to make the usual offering; but, instead of a purse of gold, he presented the King with a New Testament, in which was a leaf doubled down to this passage:

“Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4}

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” - 2 Peter 2:14

-- Walter Baxendale

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms: it means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die."

- Gilbert K. Chesterton

- Instant Quotation Dictionary, p. 73.

A colonel of the Seventh Rhode Island Regiment, in the War Between the States, had become very unpopular with his men. The report reached him that in the next engagement his own regiment would take occasion to shoot him. When he heard that, he gave orders for the men to march out for the cleaning of their muskets; and taking position on top of a bank of clay and facing the regiment, he gave the order "Ready! Aim! Fire!" Any man could have killed him without the slightest risk of discovery; but every soldier admired his superb courage, and whoever was disposed to kill him refrained.

--McCartney

In the days of war the Japanese policeman who had absolute power said that within three days everyone in a certain Formosan mountain village must come to the police station and swear that he would not be a Christian, or he would be tied hand and foot, and stones tied to him, and he would be thrown from the high bridge into the rushing river below. The Christians met at midnight to decide what to do. Some said, "We'll have to give it up. We cannot be Christians now. He will surely kill us."

Then a young boy arose. "But don't you remember that Jesus said not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to be afraid of those who kill body and soul? If he kills us, it will only be our bodies. Our souls will go to be with Jesus." They all said, "That's true." When the vote was taken, every hand was raised -- all voted to die. Next day the policeman laughed cruelly, and said, "Tomorrow you die."

Now the policeman liked to fish, and waded out into the river. A rock or tree in the current struck his leg and broke it. While the mountain people were praying, a messenger rushed in, and said, "The man who was to kill you tomorrow has been drowned in the river."

--Child Evangelism

Dramatic and significant is the story of the Pilgrims. On December 21, 1620, the voyaging Mayflower dropped anchor in Plymouth Bay, with Captain Christopher Jones at her helm. It had been a grueling voyage, taking the one hundred twenty ton capacity ship sixty-six days to make the perilous crossing. There had been disease, anxiety, and childbirth among the 102 courageous passengers. Furthermore, they arrived on the black New England shore during a hard winter which ultimately claimed half of their number. However, when spring came and the captain of the Mayflower offered free passage to anyone desiring to return, not a single person accepted.

The fidelity of the forty-one men, who while still aboard the Mayflower had signed the famous Compact beginning with the words, "In ye name of God Amen," was taking on visible meaning, these chivalrous souls had dedicated themselves to the total causes of freedom. They had come to a wilderness to carve out a better way of life. Faith prompted the voyage; faith sustained the Pilgrims and their religious convictions constrained them to raise their voices in praise. Their hardship, sacrifice, devotion, concept of government, and vigorous religion all remind us of those who sought a country.

-- 1000 Illustrations

A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to a dentist. "I want a tooth pulled, and I don't want Novocain because I'm in a big hurry," the woman said. "Just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we'll be on our way." The dentist was quite impressed. "You're certainly a courageous woman," he said. "Which tooth is it?" The woman turned to her husband and said, "Show him your tooth, dear."

At a national sales convention a heralded speaker delivered a motivational talk. His speech was punctuated with many words using the Lord's name in vain. Finally, a Christian salesman in the audience could stand it no longer. He rose from his seat and stood on his chair and shouted, "Please leave God out of it." With that he sat down. The speaker cleaned up the remainder of his speech.

Following the address a larger number of people lined up to shake the Christian's hand than the speaker's. The guideline of courage was demonstrated and subsequently rewarded.

__________

"The Deacon," September 1996, "Being Moral in an Immoral World," p. 9

Courage in the face of struggles in life. Joshua 1:7-9

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

========================

I. Everyone admires courage.

II. Israelites faced a daunting task.

A. Outnumbered.

B. Fortified cities.

C. A history of failure.

III. Who doesn't face daunting tasks?

A. Things that can shake our courage.

B. Courage is not abstract.

IV. Types of courage.

A. Physical courage.

B. Moral courage.

C. Spiritual courage.

V. Key to courage.

A. Keep the Bible. 1:7-8

B. Know God is with you. 1:9

(Excerpt from article) Not such a pain in the gut: Thanks to laparoscopy, appendicitis is less of an ordeal.

Two games into the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs against Boston, Patrick Roy, the near-godlike Montreal Canadiens goaltender, refused to have surgery for an inflamed appendix. He insisted on playing against the Bruins. So team doctors gave him massive doses of antibiotics, closely monitored his condition, and allowed him to play after missing Game 3.

Roy came back in spectacular fashion in Games 4 and 5, stopping 99 of 102 shots thrown at him in two Montreal wins. He was shaky, however, in the seventh game, which the Bruins won to eliminate the Canadiens. Three days later, Roy succumbed to the pain and had an appendectomy, the most common of all abdominal surgeries.

Today, Roy could have been in and out of hospital in a day, and back on the ice shortly after, with laparoscopic surgery, a less invasive procedure that is becoming more widely used for appendicitis. Recovery times are much quicker for this technique, which has grown in popularity for appendix removal over the last two to three years.

[Thoughts on leadership from a motivational speaker.]

In the 21st century our leadership talents will be constantly tested and challenged. Whether you are leading at work, in the community or at home, the courage to explore your attitudes and aptitudes will be one of your most influential qualities. Courage and change go hand in hand when it comes to increasing your effectiveness as a leader,

As you review these ten statements ask yourself, "Where do I need to change, grow and stretch to reach my full capacity?"

1. The courage to seek the truth. I am willing to seek out unpleasant truths, even when they may conflict with things I have a great investment in, or when the truth may threaten my physical, intellectual, or emotional security. I recognize that my personal freedom depends on my ability to seek and find truth.

2. The courage to lead an ethical life. In a cynical, sometimes dissolute world, I realize that it takes courage to be ethical. I resist the temptation to be less than ethical, even when "everyone is doing it." I regard honest people as heroes, not fools.

3. The courage to be involved. Apathy and indifference can be more devastating than any natural or man-made disasters. Despite occasional compassion fatigue, I remain committed to making a difference and getting others involved. I refuse to look the other way.

4. The courage to reject cynicism. Cynicism is a comforting and protective refuge, but one I resist vigilantly. I know that trust and optimism, essential to a productive life, are impossible if I give in to the cowardice of cynicism.

5. The courage to assume responsibility. I alone am responsible for my actions, whether they lead to success or failure. I refuse to waste time on making excuses, harboring unrealistic hopes, or placing blame. I am willing to share responsibility and accountability with others, and back them up 100 percent if things go wrong.

6.The courage to lead at home. I know that my home and family are my most powerful legacy for the future. I mentor my children, giving them equal love and discipline. I'm there 100 percent for my partner. I honor my parents and older relatives, even if advanced age, ill health, or different values make communication seem difficult and unrewarding. I live each day with my family and won't think, tomorrow I'll have more time.

7. The courage to persist. I have the courage to delay gratification, to endure the long haul, and to make sacrifices when necessary. I frequently visualize the next few years and anticipate the results of my actions. I summon the inner resources to stay on track by keeping my eye on this big picture.

8. The courage to serve. In an ego-driven, success-driven society, I have the courage to put myself second. I realize that the loftiest leader is the one who serves others best. My job, no matter what the description or title, is to provide satisfaction, solve problems, fill needs, and find answers in a way that enhances and empowers those around me.

9. The courage to lead. Few people are willing to stand for something, or even to clarify what they would stand for if they could. Others criticize without offering solutions, but I concentrate on what I stand for, on solutions and goals, and on how I can motivate others to action. I'm not content to wait for someone else to take charge and point a direction.

10. The courage to follow. Unlike leaders of image, a leader of substance knows when and how to follow willingly. I have learned the benefits of being a good follower, of welcoming the ideas and contributions of others without feeling that my position or integrity has been challenged. By sharing power, I increase my own personal and professional power, and make myself aware of the challenges that others face every day.

Having the courage of your convictions will help you boldly meet today's challenges. Believing in your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual standards and values enables you to apply your resources and creative energy when faced with problems. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You must do the thing you cannot do," General George C. Patton said that courage is "fear holding on another minute." Examining your courage and making changes as you grow in your leadership capacity is the example that enables others to have the courage to follow.

*

It takes courage

To refrain from gossip

When others delight in it,

To stand up for the absent person

Who is being abused.

It takes courage

To live honestly

Within your means,

And not dishonestly

On the means of others.

It takes courage

To be a REAL man or a TRUE woman,

To hold fast to your ideals

When it causes you

To be looked upon

As strange and peculiar.

It takes courage

To be talked about,

And remain silent,

When a word would justify you

In the eyes of others,

But which you dare not speak

Because it would injure another.

It takes courage

To refuse to do something

That is wrong

Although everyone else

May be doing it

With attitudes as carefree

As a summer song.

It takes courage

To live according

To your own convictions,

To deny yourself

What you cannot afford.

To love your neighbor

As yourself!

”Somehow I can’t believe that there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C’s. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence, when you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably.” — Walt Disney

Questions to Ponder

• How curious am I?

• How courageous am I?

• How constant is my persistence and focus?

• How confident am I?

We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. “Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along.” Here's one problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you also can't let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worse of all, they doubt themselves. I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue (unlike humility - they are different); in fact, it can be an illness. If you let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1:7; Read: Acts 21:7-14

Police found it hard to believe, but an unarmed housewife captured three burglars single-handedly. The woman had come home and found three men loading household items into their car parked in her driveway. She pulled her van behind their car and then ordered the men to carry her belongings back into the house and sit on the couch until the police arrived. Later, when asked why they didn’t escape, she replied, “The Lord was with me. … I wasn’t going to move my van so they could get away. What was I to do? Run away?”

The apostle Paul also showed unusual courage. His friends probably thought he was being reckless when he insisted on going to Jerusalem after he had been warned of the danger that awaited him (Acts 21:11-13). A strong argument could be made for him to delay his trip. After all, on another occasion he had escaped from danger (9:23-25). Yet Paul knew what he had to do. With unwavering determination he courageously headed for Jerusalem.

It’s not easy to know when such boldness is wise or foolish. Only the Spirit can show us. But one thing is sure, Christians have reason to be courageous. God is our helper. And when we rely on Him, He’ll enable us to stand firm no matter what danger we may face. — MRDII

Ask God for good judgment and courage

To face unexpected events;

To follow the teachings of Scripture

Is the best, most effective defense. — Hess

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.