Where is courage found?
At a time when young Australians increasingly report feelings of hopelessness and fear about the future, where can they gain the courage to face what lies ahead?
The popular suggestion is to look inside yourself to find meaning, identity and courage, but the Bible speaks of a better way; one which is grounded in the permanent character of God. The Bible repeatedly urges us not to fear (partly, I suspect, because we are so prone to worry) but especially because we can be confident that those who find their shelter in God can draw courage from His power and might.
In Deuteronomy 31, all Israel and specifically Joshua are reminded by Moses that they can take courage because God has promised to be with them. Paul reminds Timothy that God’s Spirit is in him, and that He is not “a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-control.” (II Timothy 1:7)
We are struck by the courage of Esther, Daniel, Peter and John as they demonstrate a willingness to stand for God and what is right even when the prevailing culture mocks people of faith, and even when the authorities pass laws that seek to undermine God’s ways. We too can show courage even in difficult times.
“Those who find their shelter in God can
draw courage from His power and might.”
Notice the way that other people can help us find courage by pointing us to God’s faithfulness. In I Samuel 23:16, Jonathan helps the anxious David “find his strength in God.” Who are you encouraging to trust in God’s faithfulness?
CRU seeks to come alongside our young people just like Jonathan does for David. We seek them out and help them see God’s goodness and that He can be trusted, even in tough situations. As they grow in their knowledge of God, they can grow in their courage. In turn, they are able to build others up.
As you read the stories in this edition of CRUview, please pray for courage to be shown even when times are tough. And pray for a deeper understanding of the love, power and purposes of God, because this is courage’s foundation.