We Can Be Brave

Last Wednesday night, I was helping my daughter with bedtime and reading my three-year-old grandson the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” After I read the one line where the author writes how the pigs were afraid of the big bad wolf, that sweet boy exclaimed, “We can be brave because God is with us!”

Who knew how much we would need these words this past week?

In Matthew 28:20, we read about the final moments of Jesus on earth before He ascended to heaven. The disciples were with Him after spending three years together. Jesus was their Teacher, Master, Saviour, and Friend. They would face hardship, persecution, and even martyrdom because of the Gospel they preached. How would they do it without Him?

Jesus’ words brought courage for the mission that lay ahead. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

We live in a broken world. Political, economic, social and cultural chaos exists everywhere. Around the globe. In our country. On our streets. With the recent killing of Charlie Kirk, we can’t help but acknowledge the evil and despair that exists. Even if we disagree with some of his political takes, there’s no denying that he never hesitated to share the good news of Jesus. This tragic event may cause us to wonder what the future holds for those of us who follow Jesus.

When our hope is in temporal things, as good as they may seem, it’s easy to become full of worry and low on faith when things go wrong. But when we build our lives on a foundation that holds fast to the Word of God, we won’t be shaken by what’s happening around us. We won’t be shaken when others oppose and despise us. We won’t be shaken when suffering, pain, and loss are up close and personal.

Growing in faith means daily walking with Jesus. Cultivating a prayer life. Participating in a community of faith. Allowing Scripture to instruct, encourage, protect, and renew us. If we are united with Christ, then we have the full assurance that He never leaves or forsakes us. We can be bold in the face of adversity instead of filled with anxiety. We can know peace and joy amid a world wrecked with sin.

Jesus goes before us, comforting, strengthening and guiding the way.

I love the lyrics of a song we sang as a congregation yesterday:

“Blessed are those who run to Him
Who place their hope and confidence in Jesus
He won’t forsake them . . .
Blessed are those who seek His face
Who bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus
They won’t be shaken . . .

Blessed are those who walk with Him
Whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with Jesus
They’ll see His glory . . .
Blessed are those who die to live
Whose joy it is to give it all for Jesus
And for Him only . . .” (Carnes / Ligertwood / Lake)

What are you afraid of today? Is it the turmoil in this world? The circumstances of your life? The unknown future? Choose conviction over complacency. Peace over panic. Faith over fear. Trust over a troubled heart.

There’s never been a time like now to remind ourselves of the promise given by Jesus. We can be brave because He is always with us in both life and death.

 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control . . . But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:7, 12