Nhà Thờ Bình An Trong Chúa Jêsus Peace In Jesus Lutheran Church

"WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER DO?"

Hi Faith Family!

Courage.

For a time, this is how Dan Rather would end his CBS news broadcasts.  The simple word, "Courage."  Dan Rather took over for Walter Cronkite as the anchor of CBS Evening News in 1981.  Twenty-four years to the day later, Rather signed off one last time.

Regarding this one-word sign-off, Rather gave this definition:  "Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow." ~Dan Rather

What definition of "courage" might you offer?  What example of "courage" might you suggest?

At the beginning of the book that bears his name, God himself shared some incredible words with Joshua on the subject of courage.  As the torch was passed from Moses to Joshua, the young buck had every reason to freak out.  Here was his checklist:

• Replace the greatest prophet who ever lived
• Be responsible for an entire nation
• Conquer all nations currently living in the promised land

No pressure.

You could see this was a perfect time to share some words of encouragement:

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous . . . Be strong and very courageous. . . Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

When facing challenges, God usually helps his people by assuring them of his presence.  This was true then as it is now.  While the specific promise above was not spoken directly into your ears, the writer to the Hebrews repeats these words spoken to Joshua and applies them to our lives as well.  Your Lord himself promised you and all believers that he will be you always, to the very end of the age.

I pray this is a sincere help to you.  You are not alone.  You are never alone.  In the difficulties and responsibilities in front of your nose right now; you have God's presence, strength, and help.  Your dependence on Him does not mean you are weak--it makes you strong.

I understand that when Dan Rather would sign-off his broadcast with the term "courage," he was trying to help his viewers have optimism and hope even though he had just shown them news stories of war, loss, crime, and corruption. 

Yet God's word of "courage" gives us much more.  Lay hold of it.  Ask God for more of it.  Live it.  You are "more than conquerors," after all.  You are a "chosen people" and "a people belonging to God."  Those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame.

God strengthen your courage as your sandals hit the waters of challenge this week.  Be strong and courageous, in the Lord.