Be of Good Courage by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1914

Be of Good Courage

By F. M. W.

WHY should we be downcast or discouraged? The storm clouds may gather, the darkness deepen, and the conflict grow more acute, but our Father and our Friend has his hand on the helm. He is keeping watch over his own. He will permit no experience to befall his children which he sees will not be for their highest good. So let us be brave and strong and courageous in his service. The battle is not ours, but the Lord’s. He is the leader and the captain. We have only to follow his instructions, and he will be responsible for the outcome.

The Lord admonished Joshua to “be strong and of a good courage.” We need to pass this word down the line at the present time: Courage in the Lord. He is the basis of our courage. He possesses infinite wisdom, infinite power, and infinite love for his children. He cannot make a mistake; he cannot be unkind. His infinite wisdom guides the exercise of his infinite love in our behalf, and these two will enlist for our aid his infinite power. The apostle Paul says that in our conflict with sin we may be “strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power.” This is our comforting assurance.

Dear reader, are you weary and heavy-laden? Are you pressed beyond measure with cares and responsibilities? Are

you seeking by your own efforts a way of escape from the thralldom of sin? Hear his gracious invitation:

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, 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.” Matt. 11: 28-30.

Are you passing through the deep waters of affliction, and does it seem that the overwhelming flood will destroy even life itself? The Master has made provision for this. His word is:

“For I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isa. 43: 1, 2.

Do you fear for the future in these days of turmoil and uncertainty? Do you tremble in view of what may be coming upon the earth? Let the assurance which sustained David in his hour of trial prove your comfort and solace:—

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. . . . Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Ps. 46: 1-11.

Have you wandered from God, and do you find yourself deprived of the consolations of his grace, of the comfortings of his Spirit? To you he gives this gracious message:

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4: 8-10.

And so we might enumerate the whole category of human ills. The blessed Master has a remedy for every one. We cannot float beyond the ocean of his love. No pall of darkness can shut out the sunlight of his face. He declares, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Let us be of good cheer, and let us pass on to our brother and our neighbor the word of courage in the Lord. The conflict will soon be over. Soon “he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” The race is almost run, and the crown of glory will soon be placed upon the heads of the faithful. Let us “hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Thus shall we become indeed partakers of Christ. F. M. W.