Courage In Change
Courage is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
This definition makes me shrink a little inside. It’s a statement that makes me want to walk away from hard situations, because you know that if courage is needed, it’s going to be just that … hard. Any volunteers for those willing to step forward to withstand danger, fear, or difficulty? Or to place yourselves in situations where mental and moral strength to persevere and venture onward is essential to success?
Yet, as I look at the news around the globe right now, it’s the repeated stories of courage that stand out to me. I read of women who are florists, parents, teachers, and retirees, who are swapping out their yoga pants and retirement for combat khaki and learning to use weapons in order to fight for their country. I’ve read of nurses who took shelter in a bunker with babies who were in pediatric Intensive Care and nursed them in a less-than-ideal environment. For these women, their lives have changed rapidly because of circumstances beyond their control.
I’ve heard the stories of women who’ve walked hundreds of miles with their kids to escape their homeland and find refuge in a land that is not their own. Many have left fathers, husbands, and sons not knowing if or when they’ll see them again. All these endless stories demonstrate courage.
Six thousand miles away from Ukraine I do the only thing that I can do: Pray. I pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia. I pray for the Lord’s will to be done. For his tender mercies and miraculous interventions. I pray for people to face rapidly changing events with courage.
The past few days I have found myself in the story of Jonathon, son of Saul, and the young attendant who carried his weapons (1 Samuel 14). These two men stood up against the Philistine Army. Two men against twenty, with hundreds more waiting close by. Jonathan and his attendant weren’t asked to take on the Philistines alone. They didn’t even tell his father, the King and Commander-in-chief, what they were doing. They had faith that perhaps the Lord would act on their behalf. I think about the people facing their own battles and war––do they have the faith that the Lord may act on their behalf? Do I?
It’s hard to imagine ourselves in the situation many of these women in Ukraine are facing right now, or even to imagine ourselves being the armor-bearer to Jonathon. Yet all of us at times have to choose courage when unexpected change finds us.
For those battling mental health issues, courage may be the decision to see a psychiatrist, a therapist, or starting on medication to help your mind heal. It could be the decision to get out of the house for a walk.
For those facing ill-health, courage maybe the decision to go ahead with treatment even though there’s a risk. Our youngest daughter demonstrated great courage when she had to eat controlled amounts of the food that caused severe allergic reactions. She hated it and still does. But she did what was needed to crawl toward healing.
Even during this last week, I saw one of my kids stand up for herself, even though that courage came at a personal cost. Courage is something we show, not something we are.
We teach people courage by modeling it. Jonathan taught courage by modeling it to his father’s army. The people in Ukraine are modeling courage to many around the world by fighting for their country and moving their kids to somewhere safe. My youngest daughter exemplified courage each time she eats a tiny bit of peanut or egg. And my eldest taught courage by standing up for something that wasn’t right.
Because, as Jonathon said to the attendant who carried his weapons:
“… Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving,
whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14: 6)
Often our acts of courage are unseen by those around us. But God sees, and perhaps the Lord will help you.
A love letter from God …
Dear lovely one,
Did you know that I am with you? I am, always. I gave you my word––the Bible––to show you that I am. Throughout history, I’ve intervened for all my children, and I’m still working today, for you. Sometimes it may feel like your world is falling apart. I promise you I am with you.
I hear every prayer you call out. I love it when you are happy and I cry when you are sad. I know you need courage to face the day and sleepless nights. I am with you, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
When your courage seems to fade, take shelter with me. Rest for a while and sit by my feet. Read my word––the book of Psalms is a good place to start––when life is tough. David poured out all his concerns and worries to me, and you can, too. I’m listening and am ready to help.
I see you my beloved; I love you.
And I am with you always,
Love, God
For reflection;
- Can you remember a time when you were courageous? How did it help with what you were going through? If not, can you think of someone who has modeled courage to you? How did it encourage you?
- Do you need a dose of courage? Ask God to help.
- Pray for three people or situations you know where courage might be needed now. For example, a friend, a situation at work, people facing war in their country.
References:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/03/01/ukraine-women/