Bravery

Hebrews 10:35 in the Contemporary English Version says to, “Keep on being brave!  It will bring you great rewards.  Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised.”  The idea of being brave caught my attention as I read that this morning.  It just seemed to have a slightly different connotation than “do not cast away your confidence…”  (NKJV)  The thought of a mother or father telling their little child to be brave as they set off on their first day of school came to mind.  What also ran across the screen of my mental imagery was the need for an adult, such as myself, to be brave in the midst of a long and trying ordeal.

The Webster’s original 1828 dictionary defines brave as “Courageous, bold, daring, intrepid and fearless of dangers.”  That didn’t seem to fit real well with my personal situation, but a further definition said that being brave “usually unites the sense of courage with generosity and dignity of mind; qualities often united.”  That explanation hit a nerve!  One of the hardest situations that has continually raised it’s head throughout the ordeal that I have lived with through the attack on my wife’s health over the last three years, and recently exasperated with my Mom’s home going, has been the need to love and forgive the few who have been oblivious (or added) to the hurt and needs of our situation.  Just when I think that I have succeeded in a breakthrough of God’s agape love, something comes up that stirs up the memories.

Webster’s definition combining “a sense of courage with generosity and dignity of mind” seemed to greatly clarify the writer of Hebrews meaning when he or she talked about being brave.  To me it meant having the courage to move beyond the hurt and walk with an attitude of generosity and the mind of Christ (which would be love) toward everyone, especially to those who have knowingly or unknowingly accused, neglected or abandoned us.

The bottom line being that no matter what man may do toward us, God is still in control and our unyielding faith is solidly founded on Him and the truth of His Word.  That trust frees us from dwelling on and being moved by the hurt and allows us to be generous and loving in the midst of the pain.  Webster goes on to give an example of the use of the word brave as a verb with the sentence: “The rock that braves the tempest.”  That example also hit a nerve as it pointed me directly to “The Rock” that we are to stand on that gives us the courage to be brave enough to endure any tempest just as water runs off a duck’s back!

So… just how brave are you feeling today?  Do you have the confidence and courage to brave any tempest that blows your way?  What is your usual reaction to trouble.  Do you get angry or suddenly feel lovingly generous to those who might be at fault?  Remember the Rock… and the duck!  Have a great Wednesday.  Stay in tune to His Word and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”