BRAVE and COURAGEOUS

C.S. Lewis said “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

Our faith will be tested.  It is how we learn that our faith is reliable.

God will allow us to be placed into situations where we must reply upon Him and His intervention.  If we only faced situations we could handle on our own, how then could our actions give glory to God?  

We don’t hear much about Moses working as a shepherd in the desert for forty years. One sentence at the beginning of Exodus 3.  We get little to no specific information about the things he did for forty years. It was a time of preparations and development, to be sure.  But where we begin to hear specifics of Moses' life is when God sends him to stand against Pharaoh, the strongest ruler in the world at that time. 

Bravery and courage are displayed when we are out of our element, operating beyond our individual skills and abilities and determined to rely upon God.

Not only that, but YOU will be tested.  It is how those around you learn that YOUR faith is reliable, and viable. When they see the power of YOUR faith in YOUR life, it is like a light shining in the darkness.  They see God's power moving you through the most challenging situations ... in peace.  They see God's provision in times of difficulty, drought and even despair. They see His character in you, and marvel.

Your bravery, your courage, your peace, your joy.  These are truly HIS, of course; but they are displayed in you because YOU are truly His.

It is the fruit of his character reflected in you.  

So wait patiently for the Lord.  As you wait, be at peace. Be brave and courageous.  Let your faith be seen.  Let His fruit be seen. Let its sweetness draw those around you to Him. Be prepared to give the reason for the hope you have. And the peace you have. The reason for your bravery, and courage, and love.

Yes, wait patiently.  He is on display in you.