God's Word Gives Courage
Scripture Reading — Psalm 119:17-24
When they saw the courage of Peter and John … they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
—Acts 4:13
Peter and John had healed a lame man in the temple courtyard—by the name and power of Jesus. They proclaimed to everyone there that Jesus had fulfilled all the Old Testament promises and now had risen from the dead. Many people trusted in the message that Jesus was their Savior.
But Peter and John were jailed for these things by the religious leaders who had condemned Jesus to death. Those leaders wanted to stamp out the movement of believers in Christ. They said to the apostles, in effect: “Stop, or you will get what Jesus got!”
Peter and John were not intimidated. They shared the spirit of the writer of Psalm 119: “Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.” With supernatural courage they replied that they could not help speaking about what they had seen and heard from God. (See Acts 4:1-22).
Have you ever been challenged or threatened because of your faith in Jesus? It’s happening to Christians in many nations today. It’s also going on in schools and workplaces today in many Westernized nations. Our religious liberties are challenged by people who want no mention of God in public life.
Pray for courage in the Lord! He loves to strengthen us with his Word.
Jesus, salvation is found in no one but you. Keep us from fear when we are under attack for our faith in you. Give us your courage and strength. Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
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