January 15, 2019 -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Courage

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5 ESV

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

C.S. Lewis

Where is your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ tested?

How do you exhibit peace even in a world that hates God?

Where are you called to endure in faithfulness? Perhaps your marriage vows are strained and require great faithfulness of word and deed. Or maybe you must be faithful in your finances because it is tempting to spend foolishly on yourself rather than keeping commitments.

Know that our Father is truly our God because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Courage to live for Jesus is tested and tried in every part of our lives and God has given us fiery courage in the form of the Holy Spirit Who lives in every believer.

Forgive me Father, for the many times I have failed to honour You by my words or my actions. Forgive me for the times I have not spoken of my faith publicly. Thank You for the saving work of Jesus Christ, in Whom is all my hope and trust. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Spirit Who applies the healing work of Jesus and Who fortifies us for faithful, courageous service. Amen.