It Takes Courage

In the world in which we live, it takes A LOT of courage to stand for Jesus. It has been amazing to see a flood of athletes and other well known individuals give Him thanks and glory. Like many things, once someone shows the courage to speak out, others follow. The Bible is full of so much wisdom and reassurance, especially when it comes to living a courageous life.

You may have heard the saying, "The Lord hates a coward." Certainly, it is not true that God would hate anyone. However, I believe it is true that He does not like cowardice. Through His word, it is clear He wants us to live a life with boldness, confidence and conviction. Look at Revelations 21:8, cowardice is compared to the faithless and detestable. Pretty strong words, don't you think? Why, then, does God feel so strongly about us not living a fearful or cowardly life? Simple answer: because with Him, we do not have to.

When you pray the prayer of salvation, confess Jesus as Savior with your mouth and believe in your heart that He died for your sins He will send the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. One of the many wonders of the Spirit is the access we have to His strength and courage. It is when we rely on our own strength or courage that we become weak and afraid. Remember, with Jesus in your life, you are never alone!

I love Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? In other words, why would you and I be fearful of other people? Why do we live cowardly lives in fear of other mortal men when we have the Almighty, All-Knowing and All-Powerful residing in and with us?

God's Word goes on to tell us ours is not to shrink back or cower (crouch down in fear). We are to walk boldly through the challenges of this world. Not in a conceited or self-centered manner but with the confidence and strength of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we can smile at fear and say, "not today"...

Pastor Aaron