Introductory Thoughts
Yesterday’s study focused on the fact that courage involves strength of the heart. Our passage today reveals the first of sixteen times that the Bible uses the phrase “good courage.” Each instance reveals someone trying to encourage a fellow believer and demonstrates the need for a godly courage within the life of every believer. Moses’ words to the twelve spies being sent to search out the land of Canaan (the land promised to Israel by God) encouraged these men to be “of good courage” while stressing the importance of completing the task set before them. Moses knew that it would take “good courage” to fully follow the will of God since most of these men did not seem accustomed to showing courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. Courage must rely upon the power of God and not upon man’s wisdom or one’s own abilities.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Godly courage is doing right even if your friends are doing wrong. If someone wants to steal, should you steal? If they want to run in church, throw toys, talk when someone else is praying, should you? If they are mean to others, should you be mean too?
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(For everyone): Do you struggle finding the courage to obey the Lord? Do you have a hard time witnessing to others? Do you find it difficult to take a stand for the things of God when others around seem to care so little about obeying God?
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Do most of your actions exemplify a godly or an ungodly courage? Do you find it easier to obey or disobey the Lord?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you discern the difference between godly and ungodly courage. Ask Him to show you the kind of courage you have within your life.
- Ask God to help you obey His word, even in the midst of a world that takes pride in its disobedience toward God and authority.
Song
NEVER BE AFRAID
