The current state of our country might be best described as tentative as we steer closer to elections. With an uncertain future hovering over us like dark clouds on a rainy day, my prayer this morning brought a word to mind that I needed to look up to confirm its meaning: stouthearted.
Some people speak doom and gloom and others acknowledge a general feeling of helplessness regarding one’s ability to effect positive change regarding the state of our country, yet there remains great hope for those whom endeavor to remain stouthearted before the Lord.
Stouthearted is defined as “brave, determined, courageous, bold, spirited, valiant, fearless.” Merriam-Webster describes the stouthearted as not only brave and determined; but stubborn.
Finally, a positive twist on the word stubborn (I wish I would have known of this word in my teenage years!).
As we look to the countless examples of the early disciples, we see an uncanny depiction of what it looks like to live the life of a stouthearted follower of Christ. In the most peril of conditions, the early persecuted church showed a fearlessness that I, for one, cannot comprehend.
Hebrews Chapter 11, the faith chapter, gives us an overview of the powerful testimony of our stouthearted brothers and sisters. We read name after name of men and women known collectively as the “great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1) “Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goat skins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” (Hebrews 11:36-39)
Reading the details of what the early believers endured can stir up fear in our hearts; though that is not the purpose of such stories. Instead, when we consider the persecution and suffering of Jesus and our fellow-believers we are to be encouraged, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:3-4)
If the state of our country has affected the state of your heart, I pray that you are encouraged today. God promises us that if we will ask Him for anything according to His will, He will give to us that which we ask. Today, let’s ask for stoutheartedness—such a gift can only come from above. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, the cares of the world will grow dim and our light for Christ will burn brighter.
Let’s determine to remain stouthearted and not shrink back in our walk of faith regardless our circumstances and regardless our personal outcomes in this passing world.
Stay the Course…
Sheila
