Daily devotion – courage
Joshua 1:5 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Often people see the Church and Christians as being weak. But the Bible would have us know that to be a follower of Christ, one who is obedient to God, is a person of courage.
In many parts of the world people face death, persecution, and intimidation simply because they believe in Jesus Christ just like you and I.
Mar 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
When Jesus died, you can imagine He and those who followed Him were not the most popular people in Jerusalem. Yet, this man called Joseph of Arimathea, risked everything, including his life, in asking for the body of Jesus so that he may bury Him.
God calls His people as He did with Joshua, to be people of courage. To step out in faith, against known opposition and difficulties, and serve Him. Courage occurs at that moment in our lives when the heat goes on at such times when we are asked about what we believe, do we agree with what everyone else says is ok even though the Bible prohibits or speaks against such.
Some people have not experienced courage, because at every threat, rise of persecution, threat of being cast aside, we give in to the opposition.
This week, pray for God to give you courage, that His Word will guide you and direct you to stay the course, to stand against that which is wicked, to proclaim publicly your faith in Jesus Christ, and you to will experience the rush of courage that the Holy Spirit will fill you with.
Like Joshua and Joseph, take that step in faith, face the challenge and walk in the strength of the Lord….and you too will be seen from Heaven as he or she who is courageous.
Rev 21:7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Rev 21:8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”