I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
The word that strikes me in this verse is courage. The walk of faith is not for the faint of heart. If I want my life to exalt Christ, it will take courage.
And I have so stinking little.
The other night, I encountered a man who was perhaps not entirely stable. He was sitting at a table in a coffee shop, sort of streaming consciousness to whomever might be listening. Some of what he was saying was a denial of the deity of Christ.
I knew I should talk to him, but for the longest time I just sat and tried to ignore him.
While I wrote a devotion on preaching Christ.
Why? Hard to articulate, but it comes down to fear.
Eventually, I went over and engaged him in gentle debate—if I hadn’t, I doubt that I would be sharing this with you. I didn’t change his mind, but I stood.
I take minor victories where I can get them.
Pray for me, and I will pray for you, that we will have the courage to live a life that glorifies God.
Be not ashamed, Beloved.