Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Does JESUS expect us to be brave as we walk with, and for Him? I believe the answer is yes. JESUS is brave and fearless. Our charge is to have the mind of Christ and to conform to His image. There is much that represents our Lord's image. The focus of this post is bravery.
Opposition against Christ has intensified. The Word of GOD in 3 John 4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Truth walkers have our Lord's full protection. Jeremiah 1:19 states, "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee."
Luke 6:22,23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:...
John 16:33
...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
James 5:11
...we count them happy which endure.
It is indeed possible to leap for joy, to rejoice and to be happy, regardless of opposition. It is possible because the Word of our Lord says that it is possible. Whatever it is, it is NOT bigger than GOD.
In 2 Kings 6, it mentions the opposition sending horses and chariots. Then it mentions where GOD allowed Elisha and his servant to see horses and chariots of fire. The enemy had chariots. GOD had/has chariots of fire! The enemy had a great host. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha said, "...Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." And in the book of Exodus, the magicians had rods but it says in Exodus 7:12 "...Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods."
The Acts 5:39
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
We sometimes give unreasonable attention to Satan and his opposition. One of his main schemes is to get us to focus on what he is doing to oppose us. The best remedy to bravely and effectively overcome opposition is to focus on what GOD is doing and what we do through and with Him. Undue focus on Satan feeds his craving for attention. We should re-direct our energies to counting it all joy, and other Bible based answers to resist the devil.
And we need to bravely guard our hearts from false brethren - the wolves in sheep's clothing who profess that they know GOD but in works they deny Him - Titus 1:16. Some of them can prove to be worse in opposition than bona fide sinners. We are not to fear ANY opposition but to beware, as the Word of GOD commands. Philippians 3:2 "...beware of evil workers,..." Rest assured that our Lord will deal with them as is stated in Colossians 3:25 "...he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons."
Sandra
Written Thursday May 19, 2011
Copyright 2011
Below is a piece that I wrote titled, "Who Are the Brave?"
WHO ARE THE BRAVE?
Elizabeth was the only black person out there. A white woman, Grace Lorch, courageously came forward and guided Elizabeth away from the mob. Grace got on a bus with Elizabeth and accompanied her home safely. She alone stepped out to help Elizabeth. Grace’s brave unselfish act resonated with power. Clearly, she risked her own safety to aid Elizabeth. Years later, my heart responds with gratitude, when I recollect the courage of Grace. I deeply respect that her bravery spoke volumes.
Who can forget the strength of character demonstrated by Nelson Mandela who remained detained in prison for about 25 years? And why was he detained? Mandela, with valor, rose up with his fellow comrades, to protest oppression of people in his country. He held an intense hatred for injustice which placed him on Robben Island to be held by corrupt leaders in South Africa. He had a lion heart with eagle vision. He was given opportunity to be released earlier if he would agree to compromise his principles. He refused, and years later, walked out of prison on terms that represented his firm stance for justice. He bravely declined early release under the terms of the corrupt oppressors. I call that courage on elevated levels!
Mandela was universally applauded for his soul strength and for his tenacious spirit. He was admired also for his class conduct to forgive his enemies and to appoint some of them to work for South African causes. Mandela endured years of deprivation, and mistreatment yet surfaced on free land as a humble man. He became the president of South Africa, and a widely loved and respected world leader.
Now here we are today – our present world. Those that step out to do wrong are plentiful. But who are the brave? Have the brave now become a rare breed? How many of us today will step out to risk our lives for strangers? How many will make waves because, at times, it is duly necessary? How many will do the right things, and risk loss of popularity to go against the grain?
How many people will bravely endure ridicule with confidence that the evil never get the last laugh? How many will walk alone, if necessary, with heads held high because power accompanies right standing? How many will stare down evil, and execute justice? How many people will sacrifice to gain priceless benefits that monetary compensation cannot satisfy? How many will sacrifice, suffer, and struggle for the greatest good?
Our world has been able to positively progress because of courageous people. Courageous souls make unselfish sacrifices and pay prices that indelibly impact lives. I salute the brave for their noble endeavors.
The truly brave know that when all is said and done, the courageous win in ways that are immeasurable. Courageous actions save lives, alter destinies, create legacies, exact change, demand reform, and historically inspire.
Increasingly, may others aspire, with motivated zeal, to emulate the courage of the valiant.
Who are the new breed brave?!
Sandra
September 17, 2006
© Copyright 2006
Revised Tuesday July 6, 2010
© Copyright 2010
Revised Friday May 19, 2011
Copyright 2011
