Could You Use Some Unrelenting Courage?

Could you use some unrelenting courage? Paul wrote II Timothy while he was in prison in Rome, and few passages in Scripture capture biblical courage in trials as vividly as this one. As he shared his last words, charges and encouragements with Timothy, Paul went down the list of those who had left him, everyone but Luke. He recounted the day he stood alone in front of Emperor Nero. The scene that day must have been remarkable as Paul was led into the presence of this mighty emperor who held absolute power over a vast area stretching from what we now know as Britain all the way to Syria. Christians were being hunted, arrested, tortured and killed under Nero.

And now Paul stood in front of the lion, Nero. I am fairly sure he was reminded of his own old self of years before, full of power as he threatened and persecuted Christ’s Bride. But that day, Paul’s shackles were only on the outside, for on the inside, he stood forgiven and filled with divine strength and courage. I picture Paul smiling to himself as he reassuringly breathed, “the Lord will rescue me from every attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” Even so, we too are privy to this assurance, to God’s courage and strength. This courage and strength also gave Paul a sense of urgency to fulfill God’s purpose because he knew time was short.

Is this not the same biblical courage in trials the Heroes of Faith (Hebrews chapter 11) possessed? Scripture is brimming with examples of everyday people just like you and me who had problems, enemies, disease, death and persecution. But they put on the armor of faith and courage in order to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives. Just like them, we too can possess this courage:

There are four ways God enables us to live this unrelenting courage, making our lives count for eternity.

Four choices leading to unrelenting courage:

Choosing unrelenting priorities: The fall season is a perfect time to re-examine focus, priorities and mission-essentials of life. What are your top five priorities in life? The freedom and grace we have been given in Christ should embolden us to choose well.

Choosing an unworldly affection: Worship, reverence and joy of communion with Christ are a natural choice of the growing, mature believer. When we lag and drag here, it’s much easier to be caught up with the world’s affections, not Christ’s. We are only pilgrims and sojourners here, and this is not our home.

Choosing to live consistently as a “wick trimmer”: As our daily life aligns with what Paul called ‘walking in the Spirit,’ the natural “reveal” will be a life lived with divine faith, intent and purpose. Nudging out self and flesh, unrelenting courage steps in opening your life up to new divine adventures!

Choosing to cultivate true spiritual fruit: Whether it’s one apple or a tree full of apples, the fruit will be there. The spiritual fruit you and I bear blesses others and honors God. Fruit is not a punishment, it’s a natural product of a well-planted, well-nourished tree. Spiritual fruit is courage’s unspoken reward.

While in Iraq recently, I was struck with just how many choices Iraqis do not have. Iraq is desperately struggling to wrest free of Iranian aligned militias and control, yet Iran is tugging back even harder. Unfortunately, the results of recent elections are not reflecting the good governance many were hoping for. While our daily choices too may be limited, how we choose to trust Christ and fulfill our purposes in Him is vital and dynamic. This is the message we share with our children in the Child Sponsorship Program, at Grace Bible College, Middle East Theological College, urging them to choose Christ daily amid a turbulent world.

Biblical courage in trials isn’t reserved for apostles standing before emperors; it’s available to anyone willing to make these same four choices, day after day.

– Dee A. Cook, CEO

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2