LEARNING DAILY

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Pastor John Piper filled the pulpit at NorthRock Church this weekend and spoke to the question, “What really happens when you face the fire? Pastor used this verse as he began to answer the question. “Replace fear with courage. God is always with us.” (JP). “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).  Does that seem to describe the world we live in, and their reaction toward Christians? Christians have been persecuted since the Church began; persecution of Christians is one of the constants in life. Believers in the United States do not know what Believers around the world deal with constantly.

Being faithful and standing for Jesus Christ is going to bring persecution from the ungodly around us. You might not know it, but it is there. The words spoken to Joshua by God was a specific message to him as the leader of the Israelites as he took them into the Promised Land. This message is also given to each Believer. God expects each of us to face the trials, adversities, and the challenges each day with strength and courage. “God is calling you to live a courageous life!” (JP).

“God is also calling you to build a courageous life – one cannot just decide to be courageous when it is needed.” (JP).  Pastor took his message to the book of Daniel where he read about Daniel and his three Hebrew friends taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his friends would not eat the king’s food nor accept the gods worshipped in Babylon. Their courage to stand on the principles of God enabled them to build their courage even when facing the wrath of the king and death. Their strength and courage were built on learning and putting into practice what they had learned and knew about the God of Israel. Their conviction was settled before they faced the trial. Their courage grew as they put their faith in God into practice.  

“God leverages and rewards your courage.” (JP). Daniel’s courage to stand before the most powerful king in the world and tell him what his dream was, interpret it (as well as others), is an example of how God used Daniel for His honor. What an opportunity for Daniel! What a way to be rewarded for the courage to stand for God.

Daniel’s three friends also were used by God when they refused to bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. They did not bow and did not burn. “They knew what they were willing to do for God before any statue was made. Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Throughout God’s word the message is to not fear. Yes, we have a fear of God – a reverence and respect for who He is – but we live with the confidence in His promises and power. We also walk the narrow way with the courage because we know He is with us.