Sometimes in this life, when we meet trouble, we attack it. Sometimes we run away from it. Sometimes the best thing to do is to have the courage to stand firm.
We have the courage to stand firm because we trust that God is good. God is for us, not against us. God is on our side. God will meet our needs. This is our fundamental perspective on life. God is not indifferent. God is not inconsistent. God is good all the time. We need not be afraid. We can stand firm because God is good.
We have the courage to stand firm because Jesus did. Jesus is our example. Jesus is our savior, but he is also our brother. On the one hand, Jesus is unique in history. He did for us what no one else could do. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus is unique in history. On the other hand, Jesus is just like us. He had the same emotions we have. Except for fear. We want to be like him. We can stand firm because Jesus did.
We have the courage to stand firm because courage is a witness to the gospel. We have a powerful message for the world. We have the message that can give people peace in their hearts, equip them to be successful in their work and family, and keep them from fearing death. It is a powerful message, but the world will not believe it if we fail to deliver it with confidence. We can stand firm because courage is a witness to the gospel.
In our sermon this Sunday we will talk about the courage to stand firm.