Do You Feel Courageous?
Mark Hayes, President of TLHA Ministry
“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)
“Thank you for your service.” This phrase is common to say when you come across a man or woman in uniform. However, I hope it hasn’t become so common that we don’t think about what we’re saying. I also hope the well-intentioned phrase isn’t lost on those who deserve to hear it.
When you see the faces that reflect the hearts of senior veterans who put on their dress uniforms and carry the flag for our active and fallen heroes this time of year, it puts life back into that phrase. Many of them have friends who were wounded or even lost in battle. Their hearts still ache for dear comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedom that we sometimes take for granted.
The fears and struggles that we have faced this year have put us on a spiritual battleground. We fight internally to feel God’s love but are surrounded by circumstances that can drain our hope. Whether you have a soldier facing an enemy to protect our country, or an everyday Christian facing a challenge to protect his soul, God has this encouragement for all of us: “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.”
God commands us to have courage knowing full well that He Himself gives us the support we need. Your courage is real because it depends on God, even when you don’t feel courageous. Once he has you ready for battle, He gives you the same courage to be there for others who need help. It introduces you to the therapeutic nature of serving others. It takes your thoughts away from yourself and from your own problems. It gives you the joy of thanking God with your life.
So, to our service men and women in uniform, and to our Savior Jesus, I say, “Thank you for your service.” And to you who continue to fight the fight of faith, trusting in God’s promises, and to you who reflect God’s love and put others’ needs before your own, remember that the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Seeing your humble heart, God smiles on you and says, “Thank you for your service.”
Prayer: Dear Father, please protect the men and women who serve in our military to keep us safe and to earn our valuable freedom. Give all of us courage to fight our everyday battles. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice to give us unquestionable security in You. Amen.
Devotion used by permission of The Lutheran Home Association. For more information, visit https://www.tlha.org