Wednesday, March 9
Have courage!
Scripture: Numbers 17-18, Matthew 9
Matthew 9:2 Just then some men brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” he said. “Your faith has saved you.” And the woman was made well from that moment.
Observation
Twice in this chapter, Jesus encouraged people, saying “Have courage!”
He says “Have courage, son,” to a paralytic carried by his friends to Jesus for healing.
He says “Have courage, daughter,” to a sick woman who snuck up to touch him for healing.
The Greek word is tharsei, which means, “to have confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing; to be firm or resolute in the face of danger or adverse circumstances, be encouraged, be courageous.”
Application
I woke up early this morning with several concerns on my mind. I needed courage. I needed confidence and hope. So these words from Jesus spoke to me.
I can come to Jesus in the midst of this testing, these adverse circumstances, and receive fresh hope and courage. I can trust him! I believe his words are not only command but impartation. He not only commands courage but gives it as well.
Prayer: So, here I am Lord, like the blind man and the bleeding woman, coming to you for help. Give me courage, hope, confidence. Help me to live and lead with courage and confidence as I lean on you. You’ve got this!