We live in troubled times, for sure. The true cost of courage in this world that we live in today is knowing that you are being called to tell the truth to a world that often doesn’t want to hear it. We are battered because those who are rejecting that truth get up and walk away or protest for the wrong reasons or are protesting about the wrong narrative. They think that destroying property or shouting loudly or singing songs or fighting will get us to change our minds but it only cements our decision to turn away and to speak out.
Know that it takes true courage to stand up at a podium or in a meeting or in a jury box or on the web or face-to face or any other way that we are given to get out the word with honesty and challenge those who don’t want to accept that truth. True courage is shown by those that run toward danger while we run away. True courage is doing the right thing when others would rather we keep quiet. The true cost of that courage is that we are often ostracized or demeaned for what we are saying because it is not the “popular” thing to do. The “popular” thing to do is to shut our mouths and follow what others or the world tells us to do. (Related post: Actions Speak So Much Louder Than Words Ever Can)
That’s not my way. I believe in truth. I believe in honesty. I know that we can only grow and become better if we look and speak with honesty about the world that we are living in order to prepare others for what comes after this life on Earth. Do we need to do it in a hurtful manner? No. All we can do is share that truth. It’s not up to us to change another person. They have to be willing to look within and then change. We can only do our best to guide them there through our actions, our love and our prayers. I have lost friends along the way which can certainly be disheartening at times but I have faith in a really BIG God who knows that I am always seeking to do my very best and get other lost sheep back to Him.
We also do need to remember that the true cost of courage is following through with our promises. The very best example that we have to follow came to Earth as a baby. He lived among us, taught us, loved us, suffered and died for us in order to save us from our sin and then in three days, He rose from the grave for us. Jesus was not of this world but instead came to this world because He knew that without Him there would be no hope for us and our future within His Kingdom. That was and is the true cost of courage, that is to lay down your life for others. He did that.
What did I gain from this? I am stronger because our really big God gives me strength. I know that I am never walking alone. He walks right beside me and will carry me when I need Him to. I know that life will always have struggles but it’s our attitude about those struggles that helps us to get through. Every day that I get to wake up is another day that I can thank our God. His purpose for me isn’t done and that helps me to get through all of the rough patches that this life gives to us. (Related post: Traversing the Hills and Valleys of Life With Grace)
So, what can you gain from this? My hope and prayer for each of you is that you begin to understand my peace and search for your own. The true cost of courage is seeking God when the world is enticing you to turn away from Him or even tries to cut you down because you are choosing to go a different way. Be encouraged that you have a living and truly loving God who loves you very, very much. You aren’t to far broken for Him. Know that He will lead you to new heights with new dreams and a renewed purpose as a reward. Taking that first step of trust is also the true cost of having courage.
