I remember seeing the Wizard of Oz for the very first time. We did not see it on the silver screen but on our television set at home. My dad laughed harder than any other time I had seen him laugh when the cowardly lion ran down the hallway and jumped out of the window. We all thought that was very funny.

The one thing he needed more than any other was courage. That is something that we all need today. Sometimes I wonder if it is in short supply.

If you were venturing out on a major task that you knew would be hard, would you have the courage to face it and all of the problems that go along with it? Tell me how you would react if the ruling power told you that you would not be allowed to worship God as you please. What would you do? If governing authorities told you not to speak the name of Jesus would you remain silent?

All of these scenarios are true. Consider Joshua, the great leader. He would lead the Israelites after the death of Moses. The people had followed Moses' leadership for a number of years and now he was dead. As Joshua took over God told him to be courageous. He was even told to be very courageous (Joshua 1). It would take courage to step up and lead this people that had complained, murmured, and wanted to go back to Egypt.

The apostles were told not to speak the name of Jesus by the leaders of the Jewish government. They did anyway. When they were questioned why they were doing this their response was, “We must obey God rather than men…” (Acts 5:32).

These men were bold enough to speak the name of Jesus and His teachings no matter what the consequences might be. They were flogged as a result of this and rejoiced they were worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.

Today we need to have courage to speak Jesus to our world. Men may harm us but God will be with us. Let’s pray for and act on courage in our lives.