From Coward to Courageous
Have you ever felt fearful or discouraged in life? Maybe you're facing a big challenge or going through a difficult season. In Deuteronomy chapter 20 verse one, it says "when you go to war against your enemies, don't be afraid because the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt will be with you." These words were a reminder to the Israelites and they can be a reminder to us too.
As we go through life, we should look back on our journey and recognize the moments when God has been with us. These moments can give us the courage to press on and face whatever challenges lie ahead. We don't have to be fainthearted or afraid because the Lord is with us to fight for us against our enemies.
What's interesting about this passage is that they sent home anyone who was afraid. Why? Because their fear would spread to the others - because cowardice is contagious.
But what about when we face challenges that seem insurmountable? When the enemy seems to have an army greater than ours? The truth is, cowardice is contagious. If we give in to fear, it can spread to those around us or from others to us. That's why it's so important to find our strength in faith and not let fear take hold.
In Acts chapter four, we see an example of this. Peter and John had just healed a man but were seized by the high priest and his officials for preaching about Jesus. While in custody, they were questioned about their power and authority but boldly declared that it was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the man was healed.
Despite threats and intimidation, they refused to be silent about what they had seen and heard. They had been marked by their relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit within them gave them the strength to be bold even in the face of opposition.
We too can find our strength in faith and our relationship with Jesus. It's not about being perfect or having it all together, it's about recognizing that we've been marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit. That we have a "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance in Christ until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
So when fear starts to creep in, remember that you are marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus is with you to the end of the age, and that he has given you the power and authority to overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Boldness breeds boldness. Just as Peter and John's boldness encouraged others to speak God's message with confidence, our boldness can inspire others too. So let us be marked by our relationship with Jesus, and let our lives be bold witnesses of His.
As we go through life, we should look back on our journey and recognize the moments when God has been with us. These moments can give us the courage to press on and face whatever challenges lie ahead. We don't have to be fainthearted or afraid because the Lord is with us to fight for us against our enemies.
What's interesting about this passage is that they sent home anyone who was afraid. Why? Because their fear would spread to the others - because cowardice is contagious.
But what about when we face challenges that seem insurmountable? When the enemy seems to have an army greater than ours? The truth is, cowardice is contagious. If we give in to fear, it can spread to those around us or from others to us. That's why it's so important to find our strength in faith and not let fear take hold.
In Acts chapter four, we see an example of this. Peter and John had just healed a man but were seized by the high priest and his officials for preaching about Jesus. While in custody, they were questioned about their power and authority but boldly declared that it was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the man was healed.
Despite threats and intimidation, they refused to be silent about what they had seen and heard. They had been marked by their relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit within them gave them the strength to be bold even in the face of opposition.
We too can find our strength in faith and our relationship with Jesus. It's not about being perfect or having it all together, it's about recognizing that we've been marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit. That we have a "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance in Christ until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
So when fear starts to creep in, remember that you are marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus is with you to the end of the age, and that he has given you the power and authority to overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Boldness breeds boldness. Just as Peter and John's boldness encouraged others to speak God's message with confidence, our boldness can inspire others too. So let us be marked by our relationship with Jesus, and let our lives be bold witnesses of His.
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