Take Courage, My Friend

Great challenges demand extraordinary courage. Amos was an Old Testament prophet who received such a challenge. He was unable to attend the Institute for Prophets and was not the son of a prophet. When the Lord God called him, he was a shepherd who also cared for sycamore trees.

Leaving home and family took courage. All Amos possessed was the assurance of God’s call plus these words from Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise gave him courage to face those who refused to believe he was a prophet called by God.

The high priest tried to humiliate Amos by rejecting the fact that God gave him a message to preach to Israel. Amos had a lot to forgive, but God gave him courage never to compromise his calling. God enabled Amos to remain faithful by giving him courage, a virtue and character trait that empowered him to stand firm against all detractors.  

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Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong. Show love in everything you do.

~1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Contemporary English Version

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord.

~Psalm 27:14 New American Standard Bible

Fill in the Blank: "_______ Made Me Do It!"

TV news consistently reports on individuals who have violently acted out against others. Statements like, "I was angry," are given as an excuse for acts of aggression. However, there are no rationalizations that excuse unacceptable behavior. Everyone will want to blame others when they fail to live up to what's expected.

The comedian Flip Wilson is remembered for his infamous line, "The devil made me do it!" Even if it were true, we're still held accountable for submitting to temptation. As the day of reckoning approaches, everyone must assume responsibility for their choices or else it will be impossible to receive forgiveness.

 

It's at this juncture where the virtue of courage plays a major role in facing responsibility. What Jesus said in Matthew 14:27 to his disciples, he says to us when we’re stressed out or afraid: "Take courage, it is I. Don’t be afraid." Keeping Jesus as the center of your focus gives courage to face what is fearful and difficult.  

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O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions. Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again. For I admit my shameful deed – it haunts me day and night.

~Psalm 51:1-3 The Living Bible

The Lord is not slow about his promise, in the sense in which some think about slowness, but he is really dealing patiently with you, because he is not willing for any to perish but for all to have an opportunity to repent.

~2 Peter 3:9 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People