Key scripture – “Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” (Mark 6:50b NIV).

In the Bible, Jesus uses the word courage in very specific ways. The original word means something like “be encouraged” or “take heart.” The phrase take courage that is used in the Gospels, is always by Jesus Himself. In each instance, Jesus begins with a command: “Take courage!” And then Jesus offers the essence of Himself to the person as the way courage will be enacted.

In one account, He says, ‘Take heart!” and then offers forgiveness of sin.

“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20-22).

When He walks out on water in the middle of the night, terrifying His disciples, He offers a simple exhortation, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” to dispel their fear.

“Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”” (Mark 6:45-50).

No matter what you need to be brave enough for today, Jesus offers to meet you there with what only He can do. He offers you forgiveness when you fail, and grace that energizes you to try again. He offers you healing when you hurt, and strength that replaces your weakness. He offers you faith instead of fear. He offers you His presence, giving confidence that comes fully from who He is — not who you are.

When you have Jesus, you have all the courage you need, to be “Brave enough for today,” no matter what you are facing.

“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.” (Joshua 1:9).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I believe that I have all I need in You. As I begin today, help me to be brave enough for whatever I have to face today. Give me courage to forgive generously, love fully and shine brightly in the place where You’ve placed me to grow. I will never have enough courage on my own to face life without fear, but I do have courage because Jesus is here with me. All of my own self-manufactured bravery falls short. I need You to make me brave enough to speak up for what is right, brave enough to be graceful, brave enough to forgive, brave enough when I don’t want to do the hard thing, brave enough for my job, brave enough for my family, brave enough to make good choices, brave enough to respond to evil with good, brave enough to love my enemies, and brave enough to face everything with thanksgiving and an attitude of gratitude. In the Name of Jesus, the source of my strength and courage, I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle