COURAGE UNDER FIRE

It could be said that there are many types of heroism. First, the everyday heroic acts that are performed by unsung heroes that step in to save the day in ways that we infrequently hear of. Second, the famous heroes we admire—pioneers in medicine, defenders of peace and justice, rescuers of the lost, champions of faith. And then, in a league of His own, is the Superhero of all time: Jesus, who conquered death for Himself and all who believe.

Unlike most fictional superheroes, Jesus doesn’t keep His powers solely for His own use, but also shares them with His followers. “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.”

This thought brings us full circle to our everyday lives. Where can we find courage under fire? Whether the fire comes in the form of sickness, financial difficulties, relationship breakdown, disability, loss of employment, bereavement, or any of the other myriad challenges on life’s pathway, it takes heroism to keep going in these circumstances, keeping faith, continuing our work, helping others despite the turmoil in our own lives.

We may admire famous heroes from history and be inspired by their example. But to find strength for this type of everyday heroism, we need the assistance of our Superhero who promises, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” or as the apostle Paul expressed it, “How very great is his power at work in us who believe.”

Dear Jesus,
May Your peace enable me to endure my challenges;
May Your compassion empower me to care for those around me;
May Your joy encourage me;
May Your example inspire me to serve;
May Your kindness energize me to be considerate of others;
May Your determination embolden me to make the most of my life.
Give me Your courage under the fire of difficulty,
And may Your saving grace bring me to peace with God.

—

1 Corinthians 15:25-26 (NIV) For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

John 5:25 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

John 14:12 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.