Taking Courage

In the Bible we regularly see the call to take courage, not to lose heart and to remain in good spirits, for example, in John 16:33 Jesus says to His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” There are several basic words translated as courage in the original text of the Bible. ‘Take courage’ can also mean to be strengthened, or made stronger or brave.

I don’t know how it is for you, but I don’t always find being brave and courageous easy. Sometimes, when I wake up and think about that awkward meeting at work that’s coming up, I can feel a little despondent. The same goes for when an appointment at the dentist’s is looming. As a child I did not have very good experiences at the dentist’s and the fear I still have from that plays tricks on me sometimes.

The Bible tells us how to encourage ourselves. For example, we can read the Bible, meditate on God’s promises, and worship. But God also wants to do things for us that will give us the courage to keep going.

I want to look at one of those ways that we can be encouraged.

The last two chapters of the book of Acts are largely devoted to Paul’s journey to Rome. Before Paul gets to Rome, much has happened. Paul goes to Rome as a prisoner. So, he endures captivity and a voyage by boat with storms, shipwreck and other difficulties.  These were situations that caused delays and could easily have discouraged him.

When Paul finally approaches Rome, it says, “And from there the brothers, when they heard about us, came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15).

Paul was encouraged and thanked God when he encountered the kindness and selflessness of the Roman Christians who had walked a long way to meet and greet him. These Christians were not deterred by the situation Paul was in.

This story touches me and reminds me of the group of people who, years ago, were kind and dedicated enough to come and pray for me during a time when I was bedridden by severe back pain. They did so over a period of two whole weeks. Every night they would come and I would hear the doorbell ring and take heart. How I thanked God for them! Because of them I kept taking courage that God was in control. It ended well, and after that period of two weeks of prayer, I was healed of that terrible pain.

Fortunately, encouraging one another does not always require as much dedication and energy as this group invested, but can consist of simple acts of kindness.