August 13, 2023
2Chronicles 32.1-8 and Acts 4.23-31
Courage under Pressure

The nation’s highest military award for courage is the Medal of Honor, presented by the President in Congress’ name. The recipients put the mission above their personal risks. Their mission was to serve this country even though it could cost them everything.

In our day, perhaps King Hezekiah would have received the Medal of Honor for his heroics. In Moses’ day, the Egyptians were the most powerful nation on the planet. In Hezekiah’s day, the Assyrians were arguably the most efficient military force in the ancient world.

The people of Judah were encouraged because they realized with God, they were in the majority. With God they had power. With God they had victory! With God they had courage!

Just like with Judah, there are some battles we must fight. They did not pray that God would take away the problem. They prayed for courage to overcome the problem with help from the LORD. In other words, they prayed for courage under pressure.

At times you and I will be faced with pressure. It may be peer pressure to do wrong. It may be pressure from bad leadership to follow a bad example. It may be pressure from others to just keep quiet about issues that need to be addressed. There are times that we do not need to pray that God would remove the pressure. We need to pray that the LORD will strengthen us to overcome the pressure.

Jesus wants us to know that you and I are overcomers in His strength. When we know right, let us do right! Even when we are pressured to do wrong. Even when we don’t fully know the outcome of the situation. And especially when we are afraid, pray for courage under pressure! Amen.

Invitation to follow Jesus.