Showing Courage

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."  (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Life’s circumstances can be very intimidating. We are surrounded by those who would do us harm—computer hackers, dishonest business people, and even neighbors who take advantage of us. In an environment like this, the easiest thing would be to hide behind the walls of our homes and protect ourselves from the dangers that lurk outside. 

Yet Jesus called His disciples to something different. He asked them to have courage and strength in the face of some very frightening situations. In Matthew 14:27, when Jesus walked on the water toward them as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe that this ghost-like figure was really their Savior. He asked them to go out in pairs and preach in His name. And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him for His final days. 

The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage. He is preparing some amazing chances for you to be His voice and hands. But each one will take courage—courage that you will not be able to gather without Jesus’ strength. When faced with one of these terrifying opportunities, we have to decide whether to trust Jesus and accept His strength. Once we have done that, then courage quickly follows.

How is God calling you to show courage in your life?

 
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"If the church is to be missionary, she must be spiritual; and if the church is to be spiritual, she must be missionary." -G. C. Morgan

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Prayer Requests

Pray for a spirit of unity among Christian groups, that they would be kingdom-minded and willing to share resources.

Pray that God will give the workers sensitivity in their evangelism.

Prayer for Paresh Haldar as he seeks to begin a new ministry in the unreached village of Shitolytala in north India.

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

The Hands of Jesus

"Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8)

Think about what it means to be the hands of Jesus. What comes to mind? When we think of Jesus’ hands, we think of both compassionate love and decisive action. At both extremes we know that the hands of Jesus had power. At every turn, Jesus would stretch out His hands and things would happen. Sometimes the blind were healed, other times a child was given importance and still other times a tear was dried. In this passage, Peter reached out to a crippled man, and he instantly walked.  

Through the Holy Spirit, this same power is available to each of us as we serve. When you’re in the middle of a ministry opportunity and you are floundering, Jesus is there to give you the strength and power to be His voice and His hands! It might be a crazy moment when all the kids in the nursery are crying, or a work project when you can’t figure out how to move the supplies to the work site. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine Jesus giving us that kind of power. If we are on mission with Jesus as His hands, do we believe that His power can reach out through our actions and bless others?

How can you use your experiences to help those around you?

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If you can attend church without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death... you are more fortunate than three billion people in the world.

 

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Prayer Requests

Pray for strength for Indian believers in the midst of persecution.

Pray for our ministry partner Pastor Johnpaul, his wife Sudha Rani, and their children as they faithfully press on in the Kingdom work.

Pray for new partnerships to be formed throughout India.

 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated