Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24
“It takes courage to follow Jesus and live a life trusting in God, especially if we’re seeking to be good stewards, or managers, of all God has entrusted to us — including our own lives and the good news itself. When people have courage, they usually show mental or moral strength to venture forth; persevere; or withstand danger, fear, or some other kind of difficulty. Whatever the hazards or calamity they face, courageous souls have developed a firm mind and will that keeps them moving forward, bringing others out safely alongside them as well.
Circumstances don’t make people courageous, but sometimes people find greater courage within themselves when in crisis than they knew they had. Challenges don’t need to be dramatic. They can also be those subtle, long-term situations that deliver toxic messages saying we are on our own, that other forces are stronger than we are, and either that God doesn’t exist or doesn’t matter. Whatever the form of troubling times, it takes courage to reaffirm God’s presence, power and love as the only foundation on which we can stand…
We can live courageously when we recognize ourselves as God’s loved sons and daughters, despite our weakness and frightening circumstances. Such courage prompts us to live free from the love-of-money trap, free to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Tasting this greater freedom prompts us to live simply, and to cultivate contentment, whatever our context. Such simpler living encourages us to live generously in our personal lifestyle and together as a congregation.”
Betsy Schwarzentraub in “Live Courageously” in Giving: Growing Joyful Stewardship in Your Congregation, volume 20 (Richmond: EMS, 2018) 2-3.
Schwarzentraub rightly notes that it takes courage to follow Jesus and live a life trusting in God. Many chose comfort, safety, and the perceived security of money stored up on earth. Don’t go there! Live courageously, live free of the love of money trap as no amount of money can give you the security you seek. Step out of your comfort zone. Live simply and generously.
I am humbled by the commitment of the Egyptian Christians! They are courageous souls whose lives are touching Sophie and me in unforgettable ways.