Be of Good Courage

May 16, 2024

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

I never was very good, nor did I particularly like math problems, but here is a math problem for you. 

Three frogs sat on a lily pad. One decided to jump off. How many were left? The correct answer is three. You probably think the correct answer is two. But the one frog only decided to jump off; he never actually took the leap of faith and jumped. He remained seated where he had always been. Which leads me to this conclusion: It's not enough to make a decision. You've got to take a leap of faith and follow through with the decision.

Taking that leap of faith and jumping out into the unknown involves creating an environment where risking and growing is acceptable and encouraged. Sometimes we have to stare into the deep abyss of darkness and take a step out anyway because circumstances demand you do. There is no growth without risk.

Many of you have stepped out into the darkness of faith related to health issues, your own health or the health of a loved one. You have watched your loved ones take that long walk from a waiting room to the pre surgery room. Many of you have seen a mask come down over your own face, while lying on a surgery table, to put you to sleep for surgery-not knowing the outcome. That is courage.

Many of you have had to pick up the pieces of shattered lives and start over when lives were fragmented by spouses or situations. You’ve seen children go their own way and act like you didn’t know anything as a parent. Many of you have loaded up belongings into trucks or cars and driven off to a new land, a new home, hoping for the best-but not knowing. That is courage. That is risking. That is growth.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is doing the best thing despite the knee knocking, the upset stomach, and the teeth gritting fear; to do what needs to be done despite feelings and opinions.

Courage has to do with the “not knowing.” Thankfully over and over the Bible tells us to “be of good courage-never will I leave you or forsake you.“ It is the powerful Hand of God that can get us through those tough times. It is His strength, His shield, His spirit that gives us the courage to say, “It is well-my life is in His hands.” May you be of good courage today, whatever your situation is right now. If it is dark, if it is light. If God is LOUD. If God is silent. Where you are-is where God is.