Courage 3

Exodus 12:21-23

One of the most frightening things we can face in our lives is any time when we need to have surgery performed. In those times we must learn to have courage and faith, for we are trusting in the skill of the surgeon and staff as well as the grace of God as we allow ourselves to become helpless and at the mercy of so many other people.

The Israelites went through a similar situation as God prepared to set them free from the bondage they were experiencing in Egypt. God had afflicted Egypt with many plagues in an attempt to have the pharaoh set the people free, but the king would not relent. Finally, God sent one last plague, the death of the firstborn, to turn Pharaoh’s heart. To be safe the Israelites had to trust and obey God.

What instructions did Moses give? What assurance was given?

We all know the result of this final plague. In retrospect we can see the great power of God to protect the Israelites from harm. But at the time the Hebrew people could not be absolutely certain their actions would protect them.

They had to have the courage to believe that they would be safe even though they were in a helpless situation. They had to trust that God would honor His promise and spare their families because they had followed His instructions of slaughtering a lamb and painting their doorposts with its blood.

We can imagine their fear as they heard the cries of the Egyptians, as they listened to the sounds of the Angel of Death visiting each household that was not protected. Certainly they wondered if their obedience was sufficient to save them from this terrible fate.

We also face many afflictions and situations in our lives that may make us fear the results. We may tremble with fear wondering if we have done what is right and wondering if God will be true to His word.

As faithful believers we must have the courage to hold to our faith. We must have courage to believe that God will indeed be with us to protect us from harm.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you have courage in the face of distress?