Listen

Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day.

2 Timothy 1:10-12

Think

Have you ever met someone who embodied courage? Not someone who is fearless, but someone who pushes through their fear and does the right thing in the face of challenge?

Leymah Gbowee was a single mom and a social worker in Liberia. Civil war raged in her country for much of her life. Leymah was sick and tired of the war and turned to her faith. She joined a group of women in her church who prayed for peace. Over time, these Christian women joined with Muslim women, and they staged pray-ins in public places in the capital city. They prayed for peace. Leyma’s leadership of the church women led to peace.

When I get discouraged, I think about Leymah. How she started with a simple prayer group, and it grew to bring about peace not only for her family but also for her entire country.

I wonder, what could we accomplish as God’s children if we too lived with such courage?

Susan Sytsma Bratt

Pray

God, you are a God of hope and power. Grant me courage to trust in your grace and power. Amen.

Go

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.