Thursday 28 September - Been With Jesus? Find Courage & Stand Strong and Confident

Introduction

Trying to win others to Christ is risky. We may not face death or persecution or prison like Peter and John (although many Christians in the world do so) but we may suffer rejection and embarrassment. How do we find the courage to continue to bring people to Christ?

Uncommon Courage Because They'd Been With Jesus

It is clear that Peter and John had uncommon courage in confronting the council in Jerusalem. The rulers and elders and teachers of religious law were the very men who had tried Jesus, handed him over to the Roman authorities, and condemned him to death. They had every right to be frightened they would do the same to them. And yet, Peter and John found the courage to challenge their fundamental beliefs and threaten their authority as religious teachers.

They went on the offensive, boldly speaking out for God and presenting the Good News to these leaders.

How? Because they had been with Jesus. They knew he was the source of truth. They knew he was the rock on which to build their lives and ministry. That gave them the courage to take a stand.

When You Have Been With Jesus

When you have been with Jesus, you feel less intimidated by the opinions of others. When you have been with Jesus, you'll have the courage to take a stand for your Christian faith and beliefs. When you have been with Jesus, you no longer worry about being unpopular. When you have been with Jesus, you can stand courageously for the truth. When you have been with Jesus, you find the uncommon courage you need to be his follower in the world today.

Think It Over

Think about the following:

Where in your life might you still be living to please other people rather than to please God?