Omar Bradley once said, “Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.” The statement is true. Many times in my life that has happened. When my husband died. I was scared to be on my own. The first week was a challenge to me. One day during all of the shock, grief, upset, business, a truck that had to be sold, business and people pulling at me from all directions, in despair, I sat down and cried. I then prayed to Him about my fear and my whole world that was literally falling apart. I regained courage and started to work. I wrote down all the business matters that were pressing upon me, and tackled two of those each day until I had worked through all of them. I was scared, but faced the storm, and He brought me through. There are still challenges, but I don’t get as frightened now as then, for I know He is with me….and it is not that I did not know that at the time, but the test came…..and challenged all that I believed.

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:5-7

A woman on social media contacted me this week regarding her teaching of baptism. She was scared and asked me to go on her site and support her. I told her I would go back and read what she had written and get back with her. I did just that. I then sent a message to her that everything that she had written was in alignment with God’s Word, and that all she needed was confidence in herself and that with prayer, study and practice she would get better at teaching His Word. I told her as I would any other Christian, to be sure that what they write is sound doctrine, and then stand with bull dog tenacity, Stand, and defend His Truth. “Be strong and of a good courage.”

I have found, as I am sure that you have, that advising others is much easier than standing on your own and defending the Truth, especially in light of God’s Word. I think of this verse each time I teach.

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

It is easy to talk when no challenge is before you, but the time will come when we will be challenged, put to the test, to see whether what we talk is also what we walk, and it may place you in a position in which no one will stand with you, for they too lose courage.

“Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:33-35

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude:1:3

Bravery can scare us, but it can be very good for us. It challenges us to read and study His Word more. Christians will face many storms in their lives. We may be scared, scarred, worn, friendless, but the faithful child of God is never alone. …and as was the case with Moses and Joshua, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…..” Joshua 1:5-7

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Not withstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.” Philippians 4:13-14

“It is easy to be liked when the world has no jagged edges, when life is electric blankets and peach ice cream.”

Eileen Light