Jesus, Show Us How To Have Confident Courage

Jesus, Show Us How To Have Confident Courage

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Twenty-one Egyptian Coptic Christian men knelt on the beach awaiting their fate. Dressed in orange jumpsuits, they faced away from their captors, who were all dressed in black. A few minutes later, the ocean tide ran red with the blood of the martyrs. These men of the Cross, these followers of Jesus, met their maker as silently as lambs.

It wasn’t the first time, nor will it be the last, that Christian men have bravely faced their own deaths.

When Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he revealed the scope and magnitude of his power over the elements. He showed us that we needn’t be afraid of the storms of this world, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. He was, and is, in control.

When he was mocked, beaten, and left hanging on the cross, he showed us how to face persecution and adversity with courage. His resurrection demonstrated that he had overcome death itself.

How will we respond when our lives are threatened? Will we face our mortality with courage and hope? Will we acknowledge that God is in control, regardless of the circumstances or the enemies that surround us?

I pray that God will give you the courage and strength to stand firm for him and that you will embrace the love and grace he has extended to you, even when the time comes for you to take your final breath.

Whether we are called as soldiers or martyrs, whether our foe is cancer or foreign terrorists, we must follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed that his Father would take this cup of suffering from him. But regardless, he promised to do his Father’s will.

May we do the same.

TODAY’S RX

Do not be intimidated. Engage your adversaries with the confidence that Jesus has shown you how to fearlessly face your foes and overcome death in his name.

Lord, may I always stand firm in my faith. Give me the courage and confidence to proclaim your name above whatever difficulties I face. Thank you for being with me wherever I am.