C o u r a g e

Matthew 14:27

Have you ever been afraid for your life?  Fear can paralyze us to inaction and resignation.  Courage can vanish in an instant.

Matthew chapter 14 and chapter 27 records Jesus’ words to His disciples during a violent storm, “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid.”  These men were struggling to keep their boat afloat as they were being tossed around by the wind and waves.  They thought they would all drown.

In the middle of their fear and intimidation, Jesus speaks three phrases of great encouragement:

1) Take courage!  Not just an injunction to stop being fearful, but a call to courage.

2) It is I.  The courage comes from His presence.  Just knowing Jesus was with them breathed courage and confidence into the formerly fearful disciples.

3) Don’t be afraid.  Having the Lord with them filled them with courage and dispelled their fear.  They need not be afraid now; the Lord’s presence replaced their doubts and anxiety with courage and confidence.

These are also Jesus’ words to you today, “Take courage!”  As you prepare to compete today listen for the Lord’s voice bringing courage, his presence inspiring confidence, and his love dispelling all fear.

Bible Reading Plan:

II Corinthians 11:16-33

Psalms 106:24-48

I Samuel 29-31