COURAGE FOR THE GOSPEL
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:9).
Courage is the ability and will to do or stand for what is right
or necessary even in the face of adversity or opposition. It’s the ability to face danger and opposition fearlessly and affirm your faith in Christ no matter the adversaries or adversities that you face. It’s a virtue everyone in Christ has been granted, but not every Christian manifests it.
A person of courage understands that every opposition is an
opportunity for progress and victory. Courage is what got the Church
of Jesus Christ to where it is today. Had the apostles and prophets of
old not exhibited courage by standing for what was right in spite of
opposition, the Gospel may never have gone around the world and
got to us at the time it did. They weren’t afraid of kings and despots, and they sure weren’t afraid to die. They were strong and very
courageous.
Paul, in his letter to the Church in Thessalonica, recounted how
he and some others demonstrated great courage to preach the
Gospel despite fierce opposition. He said, “You know how badly
we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and
how much we suffered there. Yet God gave us the courage to
boldly repeat the same message to you, even though we were
surrounded by enemies” (1 Thessalonians 2:2 TLB).
People of courage keep their focus on what they believe in, and nothing is too big for them to give or do in pursuit of their convictions. Therefore, set your mind on the Lord and His Word, and be ever ready to do anything for the furtherance of the Gospel.
CONFESSION
I’m strong and of a good courage! I’m ordained of God to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; to minister life, to strengthen others and bring them into God’s light. Therefore, no matter the tests, trials, opposition, adversaries, I maintain my solid front in Christ, that inner fortitude to make the Gospel known at any cost. I’m courageous, with the boldness of the Spirit in increasing measure! Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 6:14-15; Acts 18:9-10; Joshua 1:5-6
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 1 & Jeremiah 34-35
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:1-12 & Ezekiel 32
