And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Take courage, my son, your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2)
But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:22)
Ron, Gabi and I were discussing what we thought the phrase ‘take courage’ meant. Ron said it was: yes. Gabi said it was: don’t worry. I said it was: take a stand whether you agree with Him or not.
As I was thinking on this, I remembered a time when I was in South Dakota. I was out at a park with my ‘little sister’ from the Big Sisters of America program when I heard a ruckus. I looked over to see several big boys on bicycles knock down a little boy, who was also on a bike. I yelled, “Hey! Knock it off!” as I marched over to them to help the little guy up. The big boys took off. They were bigger than me, but all I could see was this little guy needing help.
I thought of another time when I was having weird symptoms in my body and started to worry. I asked the Lord, “What’s wrong with me, Lord?” Still, small voice, “You’re okay. Peace.” I took it to heart and the symptoms went away.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I researched the words: courage, faith, and take heart. The word take means to lay hold of something; to reach for and hold. Courage is strength in the face of pain or grief even or especially if it seems overwhelming. It also means bravery, fearlessness, pluck, valor and daring. Faith is truth itself, believe, put in trust with and faith in Christ; knowing Christ as able to work miracles and to rely on, agree and be fully assured in Him.
Think about these very ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they agreed with the Lord.
Scholars believe David was between 15 and 19 when he faced the 9 foot Goliath. David took courage because he said to Goliath, “Who are you to taunt the armies of God?” Then he RAN towards Goliath and took him down. (1 Samuel 17-21)
Mary and Joseph were chosen to be the parents of God’s precious Son. They took courage and agreed with the Lord. (Luke 1 and Matthew 1)
There was a blind man that heard Jesus was there so he started crying out for Jesus to have mercy on him. The people were sternly telling him to be quiet but he cried out louder.
And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, arise! He is calling for you.” (Mark 10:49)
Even when things are scary and seem overwhelming, take courage.
But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were frightened. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:49-50)
When our granddaughter, Madison was 3 we took her to Hampton beach. As we stood where the ocean met the sand, she took my hand and said, “Oma, can we go to the kids one now?” She was overwhelmed by the size of the ocean. I told her, “It’s okay. Just stay near me, I’ve got you.” After that, she had a blast!
Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24)
Precious ones take courage, take heart, say yes and don’t worry. Take a stand and agree with Jesus. It’s okay. He lives in you and He’s got you. Amen and so be it.
