Have courage!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Ray Blankenship was making breakfast one morning when he looked out the window at the creek that drained storm water on the side of his house. What he saw terrified him – a small girl being swept away toward the ditch that disappeared with a roar beneath the road.

Ray ran out the door and raced along the ditch, trying to get ahead of the little girl. Then he hurled himself into the deep, churning water. He surfaced and was able to grab the child’s arm. They tumbled end over end. Within about three feet of the drain going under the road, Ray felt something protruding from one bank. He grabbed hold and held on for dear life. “If I can just hang on until help comes,” he thought. But he did better than that. By the time fire-department rescuers arrived, Ray had pulled the girl to safety.

On April 12, 1989, Ray Blankenship was awarded the US Coast Guard’s Silver Lifesaving Medal. The award was more fitting than most people knew, because Ray Blankenship dove into those waters not knowing how to swim.

It is your privilege as a child of God to live with courage. In a world filled with fear, you can stand firm because you know that God is with you – more than that, He empowers you to live for Him. And just like Ray diving into the water even though he couldn’t swim, it’s not about your talents or qualifications for the task ahead, it’s about your willingness to do what’s right no matter what.

So be encouraged today knowing that you don’t have to live in fear. Trust God, have courage, and point this hopeless world to the hope of Christ in you.

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to help you have courage through whatever storms you’re facing. And pray for the opportunity to tell others why you can live with such boldness and hope.

Questions for thought

What kind of impact does one person’s courage have on others?

Can you think of any heroes of the faith whose courage has inspired you to live boldly for Christ?