Dr. Lawrence Butler
The Bridge Church, Pembroke
Bravery is defined by Merriam- Webster Dictionary as “the quality or state of having mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty.” It should never be looked upon as the absence of fear, but rather the ability to face that fear and move forward to do what should be done. Uncertainty over the outcome must be become secondary to the challenge of responding to what is important.
Probably most children who have good fathers tend to think theirs is the strongest and best dad around. He is so big and strong that he can do anything. When we grow up we realize they are just human beings with no more ability than most other fathers. However, there was a time when my Dad displayed uncommon courage and strength. He was a Pastor, not one people would necessarily associate with courage and fortitude during a potentially dangerous confrontation.
The issue was a dispute over land. My Dad was the Pastor of a small church in the country which was in the process of building a new sanctuary. The land was purchased and a title given but was not removed from the original plat of land. When a new owner entered the picture, he attempted to reclaim the land on which the church was standing. He built a fence around the facility and threatened to kill anyone who crossed the fence.
Was this an important issue? Was it worth dying over? One could be right and still be “dead right.” However, it was important enough to my Dad that he made funeral plans if anything awful happened, and then went to the church, crossed the fence, entered the sanctuary and asked God for help. He did not die that day, but rather won a great victory, for the church still stands today long after the threatening landowner left the scene of this life.
What do you fear today? Remember Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” We have no need to be afraid when we walk with God.