Courage

As many in society often look up to leaders, whether in their own town, country, or in the world at large, to make decisions that reflect their good intentions, time and time again, they are met with disappointment. Through no fault of their own, individuals, as well as the wider community, feel that they have been failed by the government, or their family, perhaps even their own parents or loved one. With this is mind, the search for change often leads to someone who will take a courageous stand for what is true.

Often, the greatest leaders have the greatest flaws. This has occurred in the largest companies, when a CEO is found guilty of corruption, or in government, when a high ranking official files a false claim and is caught in the act, or a religious leader compromises their character. The lack of courage in such circumstances may be understandable from their own context, but are still regarded by the general public as unacceptable.

Jesus’ own followers were not the most courageous of people, despite the fact that they spent every day with him. As they were prone to mistakes, Jesus often had to remind them how to be courageous in the toughest of circumstances, even if it meant the difference between life and death. One such time, when Jesus’ followers decided to go in a boat and row across the lake, Jesus went instead to a lonely mountainside by Himself to pray.

After some time, there came a great storm on the lake, and the followers of Jesus found themselves stuck in the middle of the lake, trying desperately to row to land; but because of the storm, they couldn’t go anywhere. Jesus began walking on the water towards them, and His followers saw him and were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus said, “take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”. Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.

In the middle of the storm, Jesus was able to encourage His followers to look to Him instead of the circumstance they found themselves in. Most people would become more fearful if caught in a storm with no way out, but instead, the followers of Jesus found courage to face the storm by trusting in Him. Whatever circumstance that attempts to distract, or whoever fails you despite your trust in them, there is still encouragement to be gained by looking to Jesus for courage in the midst of crisis.