When you think of the word “courage,” what comes to mind? A soldier in battle? Performing on stage for the first time? Standing up to a bully? Skydiving?

Courage is doing something that we find frightening

1 Peter 2:19 says, “For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”

To consciously endure unjust treatment requires courage. Unjust treatment may be simple teasing when we skip participating in the gossip session, or dirty jokes, or the terrible persecutions of Christians by governments and organizations over the years.

When we demonstrate this courage, God is pleased with us, and it strengthens our faith and confidence in God’s power and protection. Lord willing, none of us will have to endure physical pain and torture for our faith. Let us, however, have the courage to accept the challenge and endure those situations that we are given.

Dear Lord help us have the faith and confidence in you to be ready to endure the unjust treatment that may occur when we do the right thing, knowing that this pleases you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard the parable Jesus tells of the “persistent woman” who pleads her case to the judge who tries to avoid her and ignore her, but because of her persistence he gives her justice.

It is interesting that the verse opening this parable in Luke 18:1 writes, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

Whether God’s reason for instructing us to persist in prayer is to strengthen our faith, test our faith, or be certain about our requests, we do not know, but that is the direction. As we are told in Isaiah 55:8 God’s ways are higher than our ways, and he is working his will.

Dear Lord, we trust you and thank you for teaching us through Jesus’ life and parables about how to live and pray. Help us to remember to be persistent with our prayers and rely on your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We never know, at the time, the good that will come from the struggles and tragedies in our lives, but as Christians we do know that God uses “all things” for our good.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” And says in verse 31 ” So if God is for us, who can be against us?” NIV

We can proceed in our lives with this power, knowing that if we love God…keeping His will as our priority, we have His almighty power coordinating “all things” for our good.

Dear Lord, we thank you that we know you are there for us; that our struggles and tragedies are not a surprise to you and you are using them for our good. Help us trust your will and be at peace in this knowledge. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Three of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke write about Jesus telling us that we must have faith like a child.

In Matthew 18:4-6 Jesus says, “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

In Matthew’s account there is one interesting addition. In verse 10 Jesus says, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

“Their angels” it says. As one of the Bible verses supporting the belief that people have guardian angels, this verse gives an awesome and comforting vision that there are angels standing in God’s presence responsible for helping individual believers.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance provided in this passage that you care for us, and assign your angels to look out for us. Help this give us strength, confidence, and comfort in our lives each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably noticed how people who have succeeded in a particular activity are very popular with others who are working toward success in that field. Pro athletes put on training programs for young aspiring athletes. Successful entrepreneurs and authors have seminars explaining their techniques for others to learn.

In a similar way, Hebrews 2:18 says about Jesus, “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the best in your field sitting next to you every day, mentoring you, and helping you succeed?

That is essentially what we have in Jesus. He experienced the most difficult life as a human can give, and overcame. He is there by our side to help us with our challenges.

Dear Lord, You came to earth and were truly human, with the challenges that come along, so you know all that we experience. Help us overcome our temptations, challenges, and struggles, and be the best examples and messengers for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.