Posted on August 22, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” (2 Corinthians 7:4)
There is nothing more encouraging than a Believer in Christ loving Jesus in spite of their circumstances. There is just something about them living their daily lives, entrusting their cares into the living God’s Hand, that causes me to press on and declare, “I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you” (v.16).
Two words that have changed places in our society are ‘courage’ and ‘cowardliness.’ We are a self indulgent culture who is driven by a ‘me first’ mentality. Even in the church, we make decisions based on our own self preservation and are unwilling to risk everything to rescue the perishing.
Courage, by definition, is about doing what’s ‘right and good’; and these are defined by the nature of God. He has revealed these defining qualities in scripture and even more so, in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Our problem is we have shifted from this objective reference point and made what’s ‘right and good’ into what ‘makes us feel empowered.’ We say, ‘if it feels good do it’ and ‘live your truth.’ If truth is what makes us feel good, and what makes us feel good comes at the expense of others, therefore stealing, lying, murder, slavery and rape are all justifiable truths for those who live their own truths…
NO, The Truth recognizes the intrinsic worth in others and their inalienable right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness; that is to find rest, no longer having to strive to live. These things are only possible in a life giving Creator who endows them in His Creation. Therefore, God is the definition and author of what is ‘right and good.’ Courage is always about living and defending these attributes, even if we must be protected from ourselves. Therefore, courage is not doing whatever your desires lead you to, but to do what’s right and true as defined by our Creator, in spite of what our desires crave.
How I rejoice when I hear of one who has the courage to repent and turn to God, finding what is ‘right and good’ in His Word. What strength and wisdom they will find there for each day and circumstance ahead. And having anchored their lives in His Word, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Choose wisely….
His word shall not fail you, He promised
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
And turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Praying 4 U
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
Think About This: “There is nothing dreary or doubtful about (the life). It is meant to be continually joyful…We are called to a settled happiness in the Lord whose joy is our strength.” ― Amy Carmichael
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 36, Habakkuk 1-3. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
