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Vol - 1/ no. 10                                        October 1999

Courage for Christ
JOSEPH KURIAN, Houston

                Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face danger, adversities and other extreme difficulties. It is the mental or moral strength to withstand and resist opposition or hardships to preserve what you believe or to attain what you desire. Some one said,"It is easy to stand with the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone".

                 We always admire the hold-ness of people who stand for what they believe. Throughout the pages of history we can see people who dedicated their entire life to preserve their faith, philosophy and doctrines. Great leaders commit their lifetime to accomplish their vision. Successful businessmen always study strategies for improving their business. World famous people often sacrifice their whole life time to reach the goal to become famous. Religious leaders, politicians, scientists, sports personalities all make deep commitments and show great courage to climb to the top. To achieve the vision, to accomplish the goal,to be the best, courage is an absolute must.

                  In the Bible also we see men of God stood for the faith with great courage. We see Abraham's courage in addition to his great faith to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac to be obedient to God. We know the unbending courage of Job through all his sufferings and pains. We read Joseph's unshakable courage and faith in God while he was treated very unfairly by so many including his own family members. We know the boldness by Daniel and friends against the cornmand of the king. The Bible says." He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself' with the food and drinks that God said was forbidden for Jews.(Daniel 1: 8-21).

                    To be successful in spiritual, business, political, personal and professional life, courage, commitment and hard work are all vital ingredients. A believer should be never timid in any circumstances because the almighty God has given as the courage thru our faith is His son Jesus Christ to challenge them. He promised, " I will never leave thee or forsake you" (Hebrew 13:5) What a great promise! Often we fail to achieve our goal to reach the highest potential because of the lack of courage. If God calls you to do a certain thing or give you a special vision, be courageous to take the responsibility. With his call He also gives us the weapon of faith and His guidance. Moses was very reluctant to take the role of leadership of the people of Israel eventhough God called Him for that tough task. God not only called Moses but also assured him His presence. The key is to have faith and the courage. We may face obstacles and criticisms. Remember to take courage to go forward because the almighty God is with you.

                  Cassie Bernall, a seventeen year old born again Christian was one of the students killed at Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999 at Littleton, Colorado (USA). Two teenagers with guns with the intention to kill all   students came to the school. One of the gunman asked the question to a group of students."Anybody here believe in God"? Cassie was the only one in that group raised her hand and said,"I do" Instantly she was shot to death. Her awesome courage even while facing the gun was amazing. Cassie become a martyr for Christ. She knowingly stood up for her faith and was prepared to pay the price which was her own life. Millions of people heard about terrible tragedy where fifteen students were killed. But the death of Cassie captured the headlines. People everywhere talked about her courage for Christ. It is said that thousands of teenagers are accepting Christ as their savior after listening the story of Cassie Bernall. Her courage to face death for her faith will be repeated again and again in history.

              "If I perish, I perish" the words of courage by princes Esther (Esther4:16) to save her own people. She was willing to face any consequences while she made the decision to go to the king with her intention to do good for her people. Where there is love, there is sacrifice, where there Is sacrifice there is courage behind it. We are living in a world of so much crime, cruelty, unfairness, filth, discouragement and so on. Only by courage through faith in Jesus Christ, we will be able to with-stand them.

                 Take courage to stand for Christ. He is always with us. Nothing in this world can defeat you if you stand for Christian stay with Christ and live for Christ to the end. May God enable each one of us to be courageous to stand for our Savior Jesus Christ.