Courage

My little girl was still in elementary school when she stumbled upon a big, bold lie at our small town library. The lie was being told through the pages of a beautifully illustrated children’s book. “Mommy?” Her innocent brown eyes looked piercingly into mine. “Can I change into a boy?” My palms got sweaty, and my heart raced as I tried to take notice of our surroundings. I wondered who overheard her question. Of course, she knew the answer . . . but the beautiful pictures made the lie seem appealing. Isn’t that how Satan has operated from the beginning of time? He’s mastered the art of the beautiful lie—and as a result, parents are facing hard questions from their kids.

Hard questions require hard answers and, in this case, hard truth. Have you ever had to tell your child a hard truth? The culture today is warring against the truth of God’s Word about everything from our personal identity to the value of human life. As followers of Jesus, our first responsibility to our children is to be ambassadors for Him. And these days, that takes courage. Are your children asking you difficult questions? Take them to the Word of God. Have the courage to engage with your children, even when it’s hard. The Bible has the answers that you need for every situation. If you’re struggling to have courage, take heart! The Lord of heaven’s armies is by your side!

WHEN YOU FEEL FRIGHTENED AND BLINDSIDED BY A BIG PROBLEM . . .

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

I hold you by your right hand—

I, the LORD your God.

And I say to you,

“Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”

WHEN YOU OR YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW WHO THE REAL ENEMY IS . . .

We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.