Stand Firm: Courage in the Call

Photo image courtesy Pixabay

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. -- 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)

I once received an email from an unknown person in Nepal. He invited me to come to Kathmandu to visit his church and the orphans he served, so we could see how we might help. Something in his message spoke to my heart. After much prayer and several emails back and forth, my husband and I went.

This verse calls us to remain alert, steadfast in belief, brave in action, and resilient in spirit. It reminds us that courage isn’t just a feeling. It’s a decision to stand firm and keep walking forward with Christ, even when we don’t know what’s ahead.

Sometimes when God calls us to join Him in mission work, it requires deep trust and real courage to follow through.

We felt fear as we stepped off the plane in Nepal and searched for the person holding a sign with my name on it. We didn’t know what might happen, but we knew God wanted us there. So, we trusted Him and went, even with fear in our hearts.

And God rewarded that courage with many years of successful work in Nepal.

Courage in faith grows through consistent, small acts of obedience—serving others, following God’s Word, and choosing faith over comfort. Each step strengthens our spiritual “muscle.” When fear rises as you follow God, remember how He has helped you before. Let His past faithfulness build your confidence for what’s ahead.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How has God helped you to move forward with courage?

2. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing Christ, anyway. How has God shown you this truth in your own walk of faith?