Take Courage

By Billie Sue Duty

When I hear the words "take courage" I automatically think, “Do not be afraid”.

We find that different words are sometimes used in place of the word courage.   Boldness, strength, be of good cheer, are a few examples.

Jesus says, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Children of God have been given a great responsibility. They have been commanded to take the Gospel to all who are lost.

We may feel afraid to speak the truth to some. We fear they will reject it, be offended by it, or it will make them mad. For whatever reasons we feel afraid we need to remember that we are not alone.  He says, "I will be with you always".

Paul tells us that “the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to all who believe” (Rom. 1:16). We should keep in mind that those in the world may never know Christ if we do not show Him in our lives and speak of Him when given the opportunity. We are the "light of the world and the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13-16).

As we study the scriptures we find that even His disciples (some that were closest to Him) became afraid... In Matt. 14:22-27 we read:

Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

When the storms of life seem to be tossing us here and there, we can recall the words of our Savior, "Be of good cheer! do not be afraid, I am with you always."

It is such comfort to have a friend that we feel we can count on in times of need. Too many times we find that earthly friends forsake us.  Children of the Father in Heaven have a friend who will never leave them.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"   (Hebrews 13:5-6)

The Psalmist knew well whom to Take Courage in during times of trouble...

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.Selah (Psalm 32:7)

But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength in the time of trouble. (Psalm 37:39)

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble. (Psalm 59:16)