Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Be of Good Courage

A condemned prisoner awaiting execution was granted the usual privilege of choosing the dishes he wanted to eat for his last meal. He ordered a large plate of mushrooms. "Why all the mushrooms and nothing else?" inquired the guard. "Well," replied the prisoner, "I always wanted to try them, but was afraid to eat them before!"  -Source Unknown

The word courage means the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; bravery. Another definition for courage: having the courage of one's convictions to act in accordance with ones beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

When we are courageous we may suffer. But, being courageous takes bravery. Courage is one of man's needs, since fear is one of his worst enemies. Courage is a trait of strong character. Moral courage allows men to have the power to stand against all forms of persecution. Some forms of persecution are ridicule and criticism.

The message that God gave to Joshua was "Be of good courage." In Joshua 1: 9 we can read "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you go."

Some of the cares in our lives may have become familiar to us, and our bearing them became somewhat natural. That's not to say the cares have become lighter, but we have become stronger. Certain trials can break some people and strengthen others. Sometimes it takes adversity for us to realize our blessings.

How wonderful it is when someone stands up for his or her convictions. This could be at school, an activity, a family gathering or a group of friends getting together. Granted, being courageous isn't easy. It takes initiative. But stop and think of the difference it can make. The total ambiance at gatherings have been known to change because of someone acting courageously.

When someone knows what needs to be done in a circumstance and they do it, they are making an impression on someone even if they are unaware of it. Things at the event they are currently involved with may not change, but the courage that was shown is noticed. This could be a stand for the language they feel should be used, or it could be a stand for the topic being discussed.

When an occasion arises, ask yourself, is this something that I would want to be involved with when the Lord comes? We need to rethink something if we are unsure about being involved. Stop and think of the times you know of where courage has been shown.

Times when we have been, or seen, others being courageous often stand out in our memory. Some people may be upset and begin to whisper. But, who are we trying to really impress? Knowing that we have stood up courageously, should make all the difference in the world. The more we stand up, the firmer our convictions will be. The happier we will eventually be.

Too many Christians are unsuccessful in living a steadfast life for God. The word steadfast means immovable, constant, or enduring. They are afraid of being belittled, of humiliation, being a laughingstock, and treated badly. They are hiding the fact they are Christians, wanting to be secretive servants for Christ.

When I think of courageous women in the Bible, and there are so many, I instantly think of Esther. Here's a list of verses where we read of Esther's courage in going to the king to save her people. Esther 4:8; Esther 4:16; Esther 5; 6; 7. Let me share a quick synopsis of her story with you.

Esther was an orphaned Jewish girl who was raised by her uncle, Mordecai. The queen was disposed by the king because she did not obey his commandment. He searched for another queen, and he saw Esther who was very attractive. The King Ahasuerus chose Esther, the adopted daughter of a minor court official named Mordecai, as his new queen.

There was a high official by the name of Haman who was angry with Mordecai because he felt overlooked because of him. Because of Haman's revengeful ways, he not only wanted Mordecai executed, but he wanted his whole race eliminated. The King had been warned by Mordecai of a plot on his life, but Mordecai's reward had been overlooked.

Mordecai had coerced Esther to speak to the king about her race. She was afraid, knowing of the king's anger, yet she asked the king and Haman to a dinner. At dinner, Esther accused Haman of his evil plot against her people.

The king then had Haman hung upon the gallows that Haman had built for a hanging of Mordecai. He (the king) gave a decree that allowed the Jews the right to organize, and to kill those who planned to kill them, thereby defending themselves.

Our indebtedness for God's auspicious care is the most outstanding gift of the book of Esther. God's power is unlimited, and He is in total control. His benevolence is seen in Esther's courageous life. Without her fearlessness, her story would be different.

The point I am trying to make is: the events in our life are in God's hands. God who is so concerned for us is able to change our pain into joy if we are fully dependent upon Him. Courageous people are bold in representing Christ.

"And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31 NKJV). Boldness is not reckless impulsiveness. Boldness requires courage to press through our fears and do what we know is right!

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Joshua 1:9; John 16:33; Psalm 27:14; Philippians 1:28; Mark 5:36; Philippians 1:27; Psalm 112:7; Romans 15:13

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi