Lance Byers

For all parents, instilling courage in our children is something we strive to do. From the irrational, such as the fear of the dark, to getting a shot at the doctor’s office, to encouraging them to commit when the going gets hard and complete the hardest of tasks, and eventually helping them fly into the world on their own, courage is something we all try to encourage in our children’s lives.

Looking into the Bible shows us manifestations of courage to follow. Hebrews 11:32-38 tells us of godly men of great courage who were willing to stand up physically in the face of mortal danger for the sake of doing the will of God. They knew that in this world, nothing mattered in the end except following the Word given to them. First century Christians faced severe persecution in their time as Revelation 12:11 describes: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” They were thrown into circuses to be devoured by lions or murdered in the streets by guards as scapegoats. Paul lifted himself up as an example, and we see the same attitude from him in Acts 20:22-24 as he felt his life is not precious in comparison to what God had in store for him. He understood the words of Jesus from Matthew 10:28: “And do not fear those who kill the body …”

Jesus tells us that instead of fearing death, we should “… rather, fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” The danger in life is not always tangible as the apostle Peter found out. Sometimes that danger is fear. Peter thought he was ready (Matthew 26:33). Peter did not understand the danger (John 18:10). Peter lost the courage he thought he had (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Later on, he even showed a lack of courage in a moment of weakness which came upon him with such ferocity that he buckled under the pressure and had to be put straight by Paul in Galatians 2:11-14.

The biggest danger is not so much from slings and arrows, but from the fact that Satan knows all our deepest, darkest fears. He knows the ones which truly frighten us to our core and will be the strongest lever to pull when trying to control ourselves. How often do we find ourselves in fear of embarrassment because of something, and how tempting is it to lie in that moment? How worried are we to be labeled a failure? How tempting is it to pretend to be something we are not to avoid a loss of social esteem, outright rejection, or worse, hostility with others? All these things are tools at the control of the devil. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:8, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.”

Jesus is telling us to have courage, regardless of circumstance. Jesus was courageous in the face of danger, and He knew exactly what was going to happen, which He predicted on multiple occasions. In the end it is the courage that brings victory. In the same way Jesus knew all things which were about to happen to Him, He also tells us, through John, that, “… heaven opened and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dripped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-13).

Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Have courage. Jesus is triumphant, and none can stand in His way. Stand with Him!