Courageous Faith

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

When Martin Luther stood before his accusers at the Diet of Worms in Germany on April 18, 1521, he epitomized courage. “My conscience is captive to the Word of God,” he declared. “I cannot and will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise; here I stand; may God help me. Amen.”

Martin Luther’s courage and resolve were like those of Daniel, who found himself captive in Babylon. As a teenager, Daniel was put on a “fast track” to become a scholar in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. When given Babylonian food to eat, he took a stand. The food violated Israel’s dietary standards and had probably been offered to idols before being served. Fortunately, he suggested an alternative diet that increased his health and his reputation for wisdom.

When your convictions are challenged, suggest a creative alternative. But before you do, make sure you have the courage to back it up—in case the answer is no.

If you are going to have courage, you must first have a conscience nurtured by conviction.