courage

Pen of Inspiration – Words of Courage

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The apostle Paul, who had received many revelations from the Lord, met difficulties from various sources, and amidst all his conflicts and discouragements, he did not lose his confidence and trust in God. Under the special tuition of the Holy Spirit, his judgment was purified, refined, elevated, sanctified. The devising of human beings and of the enemy against him, were to him a means of discipline and education, and he declares that thus he gained most excellent knowledge, because he made the Lord Jesus his dependence. “Yea,” doubtless he declares, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). How greatly this gospel enriches the garden of the soul, enabling it to produce most precious fruit!

The Lord Jesus has an interest in every phase of His work. The Lord will make all things work together for good, even though for the present, His servants are inconvenienced, and greatly disappointed, by being hemmed in on every side. The Lord has a work to be done in this world, and it will be done, even though all the hosts of the powers of darkness shall be summoned to obstruct the way. In His own good time God will cause his truth to triumph.

We must be wide awake, quick to recognize the movings of the providence of God. We must keep our own counsel that we have entrusted to us by the Lord, not giving the enemy any advantage. The Lord is looking on; the Lord is opening ways, whereby the truth shall gain the ascendency; for the truth is the habitation of His throne.

Jesus feels every pang of sorrow felt by those who are consecrated to His service, and who, under great difficulties are doing His work. Let us dwell upon the love of Jesus, that we may have courage and faith. The Lord lives and reigns. There will be unwise advisers who will try to confuse us, but let us look to Jesus, and trust in Him at all times. He has been our helper and will continue to be our helper. Be of good courage in the Lord.

I say again, be of good courage, and watch unto prayer. Let us do our part to answer our prayers by living in harmony with them. We know something of what is before us. We know that trials await us. But those who are true and steadfast will have a strong and powerful defense in God. My trust is unwavering. I am not discouraged, because I can hold to the hand of Christ. Let us be always cheerful, that others may not catch from us the spirit of discouragement. Sing praises to the Lord; sing praises to His holy name.

Bible Training School, November 1, 1903.

Editorial – Courage in the Hour of Darkness

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Have you ever been so discouraged that you became depressed? If you were in heaven today, you could meet Elijah, a man who in this world was overwhelmingly discouraged and depressed. After the great victory gained on Mount Carmel, and when he had guided Ahab’s chariot to the gate at Jezreel, his courage was strong. But a reaction frequently follows high faith and wonderful success and Elijah felt a tremendous reaction—he feared that the reformation begun on Mount Carmel would not be lasting. While in this discouragement, he received news of the plotting of Satan through Jezebel and he not only forgot God and fled for his life but finally, resting under a juniper tree he said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4, last part).

Commenting on this Ellen White wrote, “Into the experience of all there come times of disappointment and discouragement, days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earth-born children—days when troubles harass the soul till death seems preferable to life. It is at such times that many lose their hold on God, and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. …

“Hope and courage are essential to perfect service in the work of God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing more abundantly to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established; but God can overthrow the strongest of these. …

“For the disheartened there is one remedy—faith, prayer work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your every need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will not fulfil His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands.” The Review and Herald, October 16, 1913.

Pen of Inspiration – Co-operation

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“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

“Partakers of the divine nature.” Is this possible? Of ourselves we can do no good thing. How, then, can we be partakers of the divine nature?—By coming to Christ just as we are, needy, helpless, dependent. He died to make it possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature. He took upon himself humanity, that he might uplift humanity. With the golden chain of his matchless love he has bound us to the throne of God. We are to have power to overcome as he overcame. To all he gives the invitation: “Come unto me … and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In order to be partakers of the divine nature, we must co-operate with God. Man is no passive being, to be saved in indolence. Let no one think that men and women are going to be taken to heaven without engaging in the struggle here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to gain. God says to us, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” How?—“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Man works, and God works. Man is called upon to strain every muscle, and to exercise every faculty, in the struggle for immortality; but it is God who supplies the efficiency.

God has made amazing sacrifices for human beings. He has expended mighty energy to reclaim man from transgression and sin to loyalty and obedience; but he does nothing without the co-operation of humanity. Paul says: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy, and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” This figure represents human character, which is to be wrought upon point by point. Each day God works on his building, stroke upon stroke, to perfect the structure, that it may become a holy temple for him. Man is to co-operate with God, striving in his strength to make himself what God designs him to be, building his life with pure, noble deeds.

No one is borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in the warfare for themselves. Individually we are responsible for the issue of the struggle; though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.

There is a science of Christianity to be mastered,—a science as much deeper, broader, higher, than any human science as the heavens are higher than the earth. The mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained; for we are to do service for God in ways that are not in harmony with inborn inclination. Often the training and education of a lifetime must be discarded, that one may become a learner in the school of Christ. Our hearts must be educated to become steadfast in God. We are to form habits of thought that will enable us to resist temptation. We must learn to look upward. The principles of the Word of God,—principles that are as high as heaven, and that compass eternity,—we are to understand in their bearing on our daily life. Every act, every word, every thought, is to be in accord with these principles.

The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in God’s power to save, are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God are to seal their destiny.

Wrongs cannot be righted, nor can reformation of character be made, by a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Sanctification is the work, not of a day, or of a year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown.

The Review and Herald, April 28, 1910.

Examples of Human Steadfastness

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The steadfast stance that most biblical characters of old displayed to the world in the face of trials, discomfort, persecution, infidelity, and death, is foolproof to those of us who are following in their steps today, battling with deprivation, injustice, threats, trials, and sore distress.

The Spirit that instills this precious and special grace in historic Christians, provides lessons and experiences of wonderful strength and comfort as we go through hard times, preparing to meet storms of opposition and fierce and intense persecution.

Words of hope and of steadfastness beautifully emblazoned in the Bible and in all the writings of Ellen White, present in a marked manner four major points, I believe: (1) that human steadfastness bears witness to the faithfulness of God’s golden promises, (2) that it ever clearly and practically shows forth God’s abiding presence and sustaining grace, (3) that it testifies to the power of faith to withstand the powers of the world, (4) that it bears witness to the power of One mightier than Satan.

I cannot think of anything that furnishes us with such an inspired thought like this one in Refecting Christ, 357: “God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel labourer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that he may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.

“In all ages God’s appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth’s sake. Joseph was maligned and persecuted because he preserved his virtue and integrity. David, the chosen messenger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel was cast into a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives and friends; yet he maintained his integrity.

“Jeremiah could not be deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and his testimony so enraged the King and Princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, and finally put to death because he was a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And John was banished to the isle of Patmos “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Refecting Christ, 357.

The words of inspiration pay a glowing tribute to the adherents of truth in the early centuries when all the powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves against the followers of Christ. The following words from the powerful book The Great Controversy say it all: “These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for centuries. Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to be the cause of great calamities-famine, pestilence, and earthquake. As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the innocent. They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion, and pests of society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the chief entertainment at public fetes (sic). Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause.

“Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ were hunted like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in desolate and solitary places. ‘Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.’ Hebrews 11:37, 38. The catacombs afforded shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock; the dark and intricate network of passages extended miles beyond the city walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried their dead, and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found a home. When the life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth from those gloomy caverns.

“Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress. The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward.

“Like God’s servants of old, many were ‘tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.’ Hebrews 11:35. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God: ‘Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:10.’” Great Controversy, 40, 41.

The Ground of Steadfastness

Jesus said in Matthew 24:9, that “they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” Smart as we may be, with our eyes wide open if we do not have that grace which establishes our souls and elevates and ennobles our character, we will lose ground when we are sorely tested. It is priceless advice that the heart be established with grace. Satan knows when to flatter and soothe our conscience, and when to launch his fierce attacks. The only thing that provides impregnability is when the heart is seasoned with the grace of God.

The devil may assail you with untold hardships; he may set loose the elements of affliction, with their powerful canons, but if you have faith, fortitude, and complete reliance on Christ, you will be unscathed. “That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love may have power.” Ephesians 3:16, 17.

We recall the earthquakes that spoiled the city of Philadelphia mentioned in the book of Revelation. The city was in the Roman province of Asia, in the west of modern Asiatic Turkey. It was founded by Eumenes, king of Pergamum, in the second century B.C., and named after his brother Philadelphus. It was situated near the upper end of a broad valley leading down through Sardis to the sea near Smyrna. It lay at the threshold of a very fertile tract of plateau country, from which much of its prosperity was derived. The area was subject to frequent earthquakes. A very severe one, in A.D., 17, totally destroyed the city, and as the shocks continued intermittently the people took to tarrying outside the city in tents.

The letter to the “angel of the church in Philadelphia” (Revelation 3:7–13) probably alludes to some of the circumstances of the city. As Philadelphus was renowned for his loyalty to his brother, so the Church, the true Philadelphia, inherits and fulfills his character by its steadfast loyalty to Christ (verses 8, 10). As the city stands by the “open door” of a region from which its wealth is derived, so the church is given an “open door” of opportunity to reflect the great attributes of Christ. In contrast to the instability of life in a city prone to earthquakes, those who “overcome” are promised the ultimate stability of being built into the temple of God; and whereas the city had taken new names from the emperors, those who “overcome” will be given new names which will denote their permanent membership of the city of the true God (verse 12).

Unwavering Stones

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (RSV). The import of these exhorting words to the church at Thessalonica to be steadfast, is equally directed to us today, for that power of evil which was present even in the days of Paul has continued its baleful work of suppression and persecution. It will crescendo as we near the close of time.

We are not to hope for immediate deliverance as we go through hard times. We are to do our work bravely and in the fear of God, not resigning ourselves to idle waiting. We should never let our anticipation of better times fade, in spite of the fact that the daily round of life and the opposition that we must meet appear doubly forbidding. These passages that follow provide us with incentives not to waver. “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18. “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17,18.

“In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of God.

“In the midst of a life of active labour, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labours, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself at certain periods from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, labouring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart.

“His faith waxed stronger, his love became more ardent with the lapse of centuries.” Gospel Workers, 52.

A Witness to the World

The servants of the Lord have no honor or recognition in the world. Christ does not proffer to His followers the hope of gaining earthly glory and riches; of living a life free from trial. His followers are to lead a life of self-denial and of reproach. Christ had to vigorously contend with opposing elements of all sorts. His every word and act brought forth divine compassion; and His opposition to the world incurred intense wrath.

“So it will be with all who will live godly in Christ Jesus.” Acts of the Apostles, 476. As we go through life with the prospect of being unfairly treated by an unpitying confederacy of evil men, our attitude should testify to the power of faith to withstand the powers of the world. We read with admiration the exploits of those “of whom the world was not worthy.” Hebrews 11:38. The Scriptures tell us that those Christians “through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness . . . Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life.” Hebrews 11:33–35.

“The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and doctrines were known.” Great Controversy, 46.

We are to exhibit such spirit as a witness to the world of the faithfulness of God’s promises, of His presence and grace.

“It is the work of faith to rest in God in the darkest hour, to feel, however sorely tried and tempest-tossed, that our Father is at the helm. The eye of faith alone can look beyond the things of time to estimate aright the worth of the eternal riches.” Acts of the Apostles, 575.

Despise to become an Arnold or a Judas

At times a catalogue of atrocities committed against those of sound faith, fails to push us on, despite all odds, to preserve and maintain primitive godliness. Christ views such a situation as treacherous. With many, this comes about when they turn from the truth, and sneer at their former convictions. Paul says in Hebrews 3:14 that such Christians do not share in Christ. “For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.” (RSV).

“Having once started in this way, they usually continue in it until the worldly element prevails and they sneer at their former convictions. They despise the simplicity manifested when their hearts were tender, and they find excuse to elude the sacred claims of the Church and of the crucified Redeemer . . .

“By ambition or indolence, skepticism or self-indulgence, Satan allures the young from the narrow path of holiness cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. They do not generally leave this path all at once. They are won away by degrees. Having taken one wrong step, they lose the witness of the Spirit to their acceptance with God. Thus they fall into a state of discouragement and distrust.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 41,42.

The time we are living in and what is ahead of us is fraught with unfavorable conditions and adverse circumstances. It is therefore very important that we learn how to have brazen feet. “For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yes, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear.” Job 11:15.

“Those who study the Bible, counsel with God, and rely upon Christ will be enabled to act wisely at all times and under all circumstances. Good principles will be illustrated in actual life. Only let the truth for this time be cordially received and become the basis of character, which the allurements of pleasure, the fickleness of custom, the contempt of the world-loving, and the heart’s own clamors for self-indulgence are powerless to influence. Conscience must be first enlightened, the will must be brought in subjection . . .

“We have marked illustrations of the sustaining power of firm, religious principle. Even the fear of death could not make the fainting David drink the water of Bethlehem . . . The gaping lions could not keep Daniel from his daily prayers . . . Mark the character of Joseph. Virtue was severely tested, but its triumph was complete . . . The Lord was with him, and His word was law.

“Such firmness and untarnished principle shines brightest in contrast with the feebleness and inefficiency of the youth of this age . . . Just at the time when firmness and principle are most required, you will find him giving way; and if he does not become an Arnold or a Judas, it is because he lacks a fitting opportunity.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 43,44.

Mark Kojo Nuamahis a Minister and an Administrator at the Historic Seventh-day Adventist Church Headquarters in Ghana.

True Courage

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Most persons speak of the acts of those who in battle may storm forts or stand undaunted before the enemy’s fire, as “very brave,” or possessed of “true courage.” And yet, in many instances, it may be ambition for honor, or a selfish pride which actuates such in their course. Let them examine carefully their own hearts, and they may find that a desire for earthly glory, and to gain the applause of their fellow men is the mainspring of their actions. That is really true courage, which is apparent in those who choose the right, although the course they pursue may call down the frowns of their fellow men upon them. All candid people can but admire the answer of the great Kossuth in his reply to the Sultan of Turkey, who offered him wealth and power if he would embrace the Moslem faith. Said Kossuth, “Welcome if need be the axe or gibbet; but curses on the tongue that dares to make to me so infamous a proposal!” This he said when and where the Sultan might kill him if he saw fit.

Of a similar nature also, is the answer that Zwingli, the Swiss reformer, gave the Papists when they offered him wealth and honor if he would adhere to the Romish faith. “Do not think that for any money I would suppress a single syllable of the truth.”

Here are cases of true moral courage. No honor or worldly praise did they expect for the words they said; but to say what they did was placing them in jeopardy of their own lives.

Christ has laid down what I will call a great rule of true courage. It is this: “He that seeks to save his life shall lose it, but he that will lose his life shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25). Again, He says: “He that will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). To follow in a course, which is in perfect harmony with all around us, does not so test our courage as to be brought to the knowledge of truths which clearly point out to us duties, which in many respects are at variance with the habits and customs of the people around us. This is the self-denial of Christ’s cause.

When duties are presented for our acceptance that conflict with our natural feelings of ease seeking, then is the time to dare to do right, and to be true, to our convictions of duty, let the consequences be what they may. We have heard many sing with zeal the old hymn,

“Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
Whilst others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?”
And especially as they came to the stanza:
“I’ll bear the cross, endure the shame
Supported by Thy Word.”

One would think, to hear them sing, that they were about to be burned at the stake; but alas! when their courage is tested, as to their readiness to deny self or make a real sacrifice in the cause of God, they are found wanting.

How many such we meet who, when the clear light of truth comes, and they see the claims of God’s law, and admit them all binding, and even admit that it is their duty to keep His commandments, and yet refuse to obey because it conflicts with their business. Let me ask right here, “Can a man who fails to deny self for the purpose of obeying God in what he knows and admits to be right, be of that class who would lose their lives for God’s cause?”

The words of Christ are forcible right here, “He that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). That is, that he would deny himself for God’s cause; might possibly die for it if necessary. While he who will not deny himself for the sake of obeying the truth, never need talk of dying for his faith, until some other principle actuates him.

It’s not many months since I heard a very earnest person in a social meeting, make remarks like the following: “God knows I would be willing to give Him my head in His cause.” Again he said, “I would be ready to die in a minute for my faith in God.” It was not many days after this, however, that this same person was brought to see a point of duty, relative to the keeping of the fourth commandment. What did he do? Admitted his duty to keep it, and then said, “I cannot keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, because it conflicts with my business.” I wonder if he had stopped to think how it would conflict with his business to die for his faith, and be obliged to leave all his business. Here is where true courage is needed.

In conclusion, I would say, we must learn to call that true courage which leaves a person to do that this his judgment and an enlightened conscious show him to be right, if all the world frowns upon him.

N. Loughborough, The Signs of the Times, June 25, 1874.