Confidence And Courage

Confidence And Courage

Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. –Matthew 17:1-2

It was supposed to be an adventuresome day of hiking in the Cascades. Our friends Dan and Sue had taken a rigorous route up to Lost Lake, which led them to a large fallen log that crossed over a deep ravine filled with rushing white water. Dan made it across the somewhat slippery log, but halfway across, Sue was struck with panic at the thought of slipping. She felt like the raging water below was going to suck her in, and she became frozen with fear. “Look at me,” Dan said gently but firmly, coaxing Sue to continue moving forward. “Don’t look down; just look at me.” As she fixed her eyes on him and obeyed his instructions, Dan provided the confidence and courage Sue needed to move forward in spite of her fear.

Six days before taking Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem where he would be killed, and he called them to give up their lives for him. It must have been overwhelming and disappointing to the disciples—not at all what they’d had in mind when they left everything to follow Christ. Perhaps Jesus knew they needed a confidence boost to embrace this difficult message. Perhaps Jesus knew they needed something to bolster their courage so they could endure the coming trauma of the Crucifixion. So Jesus gave them a glimpse of his glory. It was as if he said, “Look at me,” knowing it was what they needed in order to face their fears. Far more than the inner glory of his character, Jesus showed them the intrinsic glory of his deity that had been veiled by human flesh. On this mountain, they not only saw the glory of God, they also heard the voice of God the Father proclaiming his love for his Son, his pleasure in and approval of Jesus’ public ministry, and his command to obey. Humbled, awed, and no doubt somewhat shaken, they followed their Master down the mountain and toward the Cross.

Do you need a boost in your confidence to stake your life on the claims of Christ? Do you need a boost of courage to keep on following and trusting Christ? Fixing your gaze on the glory of God will give you confidence in the message of Jesus and courage to follow where he leads.

Glorious Son of God, following you sometimes seems overwhelming. Help me to see that only you can give me the confidence and courage I need to face my doubts and fears. Draw me closer to you by showing me your glory.

DIGGING DEEPER