What Does It Mean to Be Brave?
Over 10 years ago, I worked for a company that was dedicated to conducting telephone surveys. I remember fearing rejection when I was conducting surveys lasting anywhere from seven to 20 minutes. I just thought that after I started, they would end my call without finishing the survey.
Now I am serving in CBN Mexico, where I started in the ministry as a volunteer answering calls for Club 700 Hoy. I pray for people who contact us and need a word of encouragement. During my first week of taking calls, I experienced the same fear of being rejected—but not anymore. God made me brave by speaking on God’s behalf through His written Word. Through what I have experienced in each call and hearing how God can use us, I have learned to leave timidity behind and face risky situations.
In Jeremiah chapters 12 to 14, we read about the kingdom of Judah and their society’s idolatry, immorality, and disregard for God´s ways. It is in the midst of such turbulent times that God asked the prophet, Jeremiah, to deliver a tough message to the people of Judah. Jeremiah loved the people of Judah, but he loved God much more and chose to obey Him by calling the nation to repent of their evil ways and seek the Lord, warning them of destruction to come if the nation did not repent.
As painful as it was to deliver the message, Jeremiah still prayed for God's mercy toward Judah, trusting that God was good, just, and upright:
“We acknowledge our wickedness, LORD, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you. For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it” (Jeremiah 14:20-21 NIV).
Just as Jeremiah was brave to deliver God´s message to His beloved people, we too must be brave and do what God asks of us. Even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, if we trust God’s infinite wisdom and great love, we will see the best for us, His children.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Being brave is having the virtue or quality of showing courage and strength in the face of people, circumstances, and the problems of life. It is a psychological quality comparable to strength, but it is also a virtue that is acquired through the repetition of courageous acts.
In Joshua 1:9, God commands us to be strong and courageous, but he also reminds us that in those moments when courage is required, we are not alone.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Being brave is having the courage to overcome what we have in front of us. It is the opportunity to face that situation that life offers us, or that we have chosen. Courage is a challenge to which we expose ourselves to grow, learn, and improve ourselves; and it is what God has given me.
As you reflect on these words today let’s ask the question, In what area of life do you feel that you need to be brave? Where do you need the courage to overcome what is in front of you? My prayer for your life is that fear would depart as you place your trust in God and step forward in faith.
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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
