As the one who is always “holding down the fort” at home and homeschooling our kids I don’t always get to know our local Christian brothers and sisters as well as Justin does. However, recently we had the privilege of hosting a pastor from another African country for a few days and I was so blessed to meet him. He’s from a country where Christians are highly persecuted—a country where becoming a Christian could cost you your life. This pastor is doing the work of a missionary in his own country knowing full well of the danger because he has such a passion for reaching his people. I was so impressed by his courage and trust in the Lord. I was reminded of this verse; 

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NASB)

What is courage? The dictionary defines it as: “the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery” (Oxford English Dictionary). Courage is looking danger in the eye and deciding to act in spite of the fear. It is also being ready and prepared for the danger. I saw this in that pastor and it was so inspiring to me.

You could just tell that this pastor got his courage from the Lord. He was not in the least bit cocky or reckless, he was actually very humble and mild tempered. It’s just that he has seen God at work and he wants to be faithful to do what God has called him to do. He knows that his ministry will be full of tribulation and persecution—but he clings to the truth that Jesus has overcome it all. His faithfulness to go into the hard places is now reaping amazing spiritual fruit!

In our own lives we all have things that frighten us. Things that cause anxiety and stress. On our own power we can become paralyzed by fear. Over and over again we must remind ourselves to be encouraged with the truth of God. Did you know the prefix en means “to put into or cause to be”? I know I need Christ to put courage in me! He has a plan and a purpose for each of us and He will equip us to do it.

-Rachel