Courage strikes a chord.

Courage strikes a chord. Acts 4.23-31 

“THESE are the times that try men's souls.”1 It is undeniable that the presidential election has stirred up much emotion, including fear for the future and the USA., “'Tis surprising to see how rapidly a panic will sometimes run through a country.” 

Is that why these last Morning Briefings have garnered such response? I don’t think so. Fact is, while the macro concerns us, the micro in our lives can unravel us. Interpretation: while the government and the economy are definite concerns not just for Americans, but Europeans, Africans and the Middle East, we need courage even more for our up-close and personal challenges. Alas, 
there is not a person alive who does not have a 
need for courage at various times in his existence. 

I hope you read the last briefing, “Courage! Courage! Get some here!” 
If not, read: http://pastorwoman.com/ReadArchive.aspx?id=2794 ;
Listen: http://www.pastorwoman.com/podcasts/430bcee6-a0cb-47c0-897d-e63bdbb...;
Peter and John have just been arrested and jailed for preaching about Jesus Christ, as Jewish leaders fear what is to come as their influence grows. (Acts 4.1-22) The courage of the two apostles impacted those near them, a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. 

The rulers commanded them not to teach at all in the name of Jesus – [even the corrupt rulers saw the power in the name of Jesus Christ; no one could deny it] – but Peter’s response was immediate, “we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”2 True that. When folks experience the miraculous, they just have to talk about it. 

Luke reports that “On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.”3 Take note: they got it; these early Christians were realists and saw what was coming to all of them. They were going to be silenced, or else. Their response to the threats – pray. Together. 

This impresses me greatly. Warned to stop teaching Jesus, they pray, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”4 The devoted ask God for courage! 

God said ‘yes’ to their prayer for courage. Be still for a moment … for what do you need courage? ____________ What comes to your mind? Is it your job, your family, a situation with a colleague? Is it a medical diagnosis? For what do you need courage? 
Ask God for it. 
And do not miss that in response to their prayer for boldness, 
He once again filled them with the Holy Spirit. 

I am praying for you ... that you will ask God for courage. 

Christine Todd DiGiacomo

PastorWoman.com 

1 - The Crisis by Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776. UShistory.org 
2 – Acts 4.20 
3 – Acts 4.23-24 
4 – Acts 4.29