A philosophy professor was giving the final exam to the class. She asked them to take out a piece of paper and then asked them this question: “What is courage?”
Most of the class began to think and jot down ideas, but one young man answered the question with two words and took his paper up to the teacher as almost as quickly as she asked the question.
His answer for the creative one question final exam was “This is.”
It’s reported that this student received an “A” for his courage.
Sometime during high school, I underlined this verse in my Bible: When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13
The scripture says, they were just ordinary men who were noted to have been around Jesus. It wasn’t a prideful courage based on their strengths or accomplishments – they were unschooled, regular people. But they had been in the presence of Jesus. They had learned from Him, witnessed His ministry and work and received power from His Spirit, which made them courageous.
As I am preparing for this new year of ministry, courage is needed. I want to courageously trust in God’s power. To be open and ready to be led by His Spirit and to have the courage to do what it takes to help proclaim the gospel message. It may be the difference maker in the lives of students, children and adults with whom we are privileged to serve.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Duet 31:6
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