Do you love a good story? One where the heroine or hero’s courage and selflessness leads to victory? There is something inspiring about someone who makes it against all odds, persevering through difficult circumstances. We write books about them, create movies about them, and celebrate them on social media. Those who are courageous inspire us to be courageous, too. Over the last months, our nation and the world have watched doctors, nurses, and medical staff demonstrate courage in the face of COVID-19. From long days to sleepless nights, these courageous men and women have come alongside those who are suffering from the virus. Some have literally held patients' hands as they pass. The stories capture our hearts and emotions. Many have responded by setting up meals for hospitals, organizing drive-by parades and the Navy even sent the Blue Angels to fly over the city as a salute to their bravery and courage.
Courage has been defined as “doing it scared” and courageous people everywhere have one thing in common - they move forward even in the midst of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. They take the next faithful step as they press into courage. God gives us a perfect example of courage in Esther. She knew her people were about to face and impending genocide and the only one who could stop it was the King. But how could she get to the king who had the right to kill anyone who appeared before him without an invitation? It was her death or the death of a nation. Mordecai reminded her in Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther acknowledged her fear; she acted with courage and took a step of faith. She did not know what would happen, but she sought the one who did and trusted Him with her life. We can do the same, no matter the circumstance; we can acknowledge our fear, seek and trust our God, and believe that He is with us and for us.
When you and I are people of courage, we can face adversity. Like Esther, we can stand up and speak against injustice and for those who have no voice. Like those who have been on the front lines during this pandemic, we can face our fears and serve others with courage. As Joshua told the people of Israel as they prepared to go into the promise land, facing their fear of the unknown … “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Knowing God is with you … is the key to being courageous … so step into whatever God is leading you to do, in the presence of fear, take the next faithful step for God is with you.
This Week: This week ask God to help you with fears that might be holding you back. Set aside some time to be still and seek God. Ask Him what it is that He is leading you to do and then take a faithful step knowing He has your back.
-Dr. J
