From My Heart, Kingdom Courage
Hiding in his home, he was haunted by fear. His legs were so bashed, he could not leave his bed. His mind was so numb, he could not even think. He stared, shivering, tears slipping down his cheeks.
Elijah (actual name withheld) had just finished coordinating this year’s Easter dinner for the leper community in his city. During that celebration, he used our Bible guide to speak to them again about cultivating Christlike character.
Unknown to him as he walked alone from the bus station to his house, two Hindu militants in long hair and helmets followed him by motorbike. Suddenly they attacked. Dragging him to an isolated playground, they pounded him to unconsciousness. Passersby discovered Elijah and helped him home.
Elijah’s parents were leper beggars in a large city, driven from their home by villagers. By God’s grace, he grew up in the loving care of a children’s home sustained by the Mission to Children. It was there that he gave his heart to God.
Elijah loved to share the Gospel with other young people. He started Sunday school for kids who met at the leper school built by Mission to Children funding. Each week, he brought 30–40 young people for Bible study in the home of a local ministry leader. Through his influence, lepers and leper children placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Many are now in the presence of their Redeemer.
But there were enemies back then who knew what was happening in the colony. One Sunday, as Elijah ministered in the colony, several Hindu militants attacked him with knives. Though bleeding badly, he survived.
Following his recovery, Elijah resumed his courageous ministry. He spoke on behalf of the leper community. He coordinated their ministry. He transported them to the hospital. He got school supplies for the children.
Now, in 2014, enemies of the Gospel had struck again. Beaten to a pulp, he was engulfed by fear. Would he survive? Would his wife and son become targets, too?
We received an urgent request to pray for Elijah’s recovery. And people did pray.
In June, we received the excellent news that Elijah is recovering from his fear and injuries! He intends to continue his courageous and compassionate ministry. His voice radiates calmness and peace. But the storm clouds of possible persecution continue for him and others in that country.
We describe “courage” as “overcoming fear in order to assist others.” Elijah demonstrates Christlike courage. He is living what the apostle Paul reported in 2 Corinthians 4:8–9:
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Do you have “Kingdom courage”?
Will you pray for him—and thousands like him in India, Sudan, and around the world?
Character Corner
Courage: “Conquering fear in order to assist others.”
Where does Courage come from?
Our convictions fuel courage. It is born out of a sure conviction that God is always with us and in the end He will be victorious. Courage springs from the conviction that we belong to God and He charts our path.
How do we demonstrate Courage?
A person demonstrates Courage by decisiveness, initiative, and boldness.
An opposite word is Fear:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; Your God will come . . . He will come to save you.’” (Isaiah 35:4)
Courage Quotes:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“Courage is not the absence of fear; it is moving ahead despite fear.” (Brother Andrew)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [and women] of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
“I said to a man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way.” (Minnie Haskins)
Making it Personal:
Is fear keeping you from actively sharing your faith? (1 Peter 3:15)
Do you fear what men think of you more than what God thinks of you? (Hebrew 13:5-6)
If you need to strengthen your courage, try taking one of the 365 times in Scripture that says, “Fear not,” and write it out or memorize it.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)