Be of Good Courage

 July 25, 2024

Thursday

It's amazing how many times Jesus told us to be of good courage. Having remembered it a few times in the Bible I looked the word up. It has the basic sense "to dare" "to be bold." It carries the idea of trusting in someone or something. So, let's look at the instances it is used. (This is not exhaustive.)

When you are unable to do what you need to do, be of good courage.

Matthew 9:2 (NASB 2020 ² And they brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a stretcher. And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man who was paralyzed, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

No one can get forgiveness without Jesus. The man needed to be healed but Jesus gave him a greater miracle. He forgave his sins. You are unable to have your sins forgiven on your own. So, Jesus heals him to prove who He was. The man is now able because of what Jesus has done for him in healing and forgiveness.

When you are sick and have tried every normal avenue of healing, be of good courage.

Matthew 9:22 (NASB 2020 ²² But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And at once the woman was made well.

A woman had been bleeding for years. She spent all that she had on doctors. They made matters worse. So, hearing of Jesus and believing what she has heard, she pushes forward in a crowd because she believed if she would touch His outer cloak, she would be healed. She had to know who He was to have had this faith. So, she left healed because of her faith.

When you are afraid, be of good courage.

Matthew 14:27 (NASB 2020) ²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

The disciples see Jesus walking on the water and are immediately afraid. They think He might be a ghost. But their fears are assuaged when they hear His voice telling them to take courage. So, the disciples fear dissipated because they knew the voice of their Master.

When you don't know if you'll get to do what you believe you should do, be of good courage.

Acts 23:11 (NASB 2020) ¹¹ But on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said, “Be courageous! For as you have testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.”

Paul wanted to go to Rome to share the gospel. However, he is presently in prison when Jesus appears before him. He is told to be courageous because the Lord is giving him an assurance that he will do what he has purposed to do. So, when you don't know if God will fulfill His word to you, you can be assured that He will. So, be courageous. 

When you don't think you can endure what is set before you, be of good courage.

John 16:33 (NASB 2020) ³³ These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus is leaving this world. His disciples will be discouraged. He tells them that they will have the tribulation He promises them. He tells them that they will be scattered. But He also tells them that He has overcome the world. So, when you don't think you can handle it, be of good courage. Then, the disciples shared the gospel so that it was the light shining in the darkness. The darkness was not able to overcome it.

I don't know what you will face today but I can share with you the words of Jesus. Be of good courage. Jesus has you in His hands. You too, will become an overcomer.