The Lord is my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.  2 Samuel 22:3.

I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8: 38-39.

My Bible study group is reading a book by Joyce Rupp.  Joyce is a member of the Servants of Mary religious community and lives in Iowa. She has written books and articles on religious formation and is a gifted spiritual writer.  The title of her book is FRESH BREAD.  There are other books by her in our CTK library.   Our February reading deals with the subject of Christian courage, courage which is buried deep within us and is a wonderful gift of the human spirit.  We may not know how courageous we are or can be unless we have experienced, in the winter of our lives, a test or challenge which requires us to call up that courage.  Then we learn that we must also call on God to strengthen us and to be confident in his promise of help. 

In the book, TO KILL a MOCKING BIRD, Atticus tells his son Jeb that courage is not a man with a gun.  Rather it is following through even though you know you’re going to lose.  (quote is paraphrased).  

“I’ve used up all my courage”.  “You’ll find it again.  And thank God for giving it back to you”. Dialogue from a book by Belva Plain entitled EVERGREEN.   A beautiful example of one person encouraging another.  Are you an encourager?  If so, you have important work to do.  

Resisting anger takes courage, as does speaking up in spite of opposition.  Enduring chronic pain takes courage.  Forgiving sometimes takes courage as does accepting forgiveness.  Accepting what can’t be changed takes courage.  Interviewing for a job takes courage.  Confessing sins takes courage.  

There are numerous passages in the Bible which refer to God-given courage and strength. “Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying.”  (Romans 12:13)

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self - discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7.

Faithful and loving God, Give to us your courage when we need it.  Give to us the confidence to know that you are always with us, giving us strength and encouragement and love.  You are our refuge in times of trial.  Nothing can separate us from your love in Christ.  Amen

Joan Perlich

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party