The Unflappable Champion
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“He gathered up His courage and steeled Himself for the journey” (Luke 9:51, The Message).
There are some things that require little effort, and yield small results. Many people content themselves to spend their days in just such trivial pursuit. Will you settle for being one of them? F. W. Boreham wrote, “There is no intellectual stimulant so intoxicating as the formation of a noble purpose, the conception of a sudden resolve, the making of a great decision.”
There is talk these days of vision. But vision is much more than a good idea that stirs the soul to temporary endeavors. Vision is the ability to see it, the faith to believe it, the courage to do it, and the hope to endure until it happens. Take any of these components away and vision fails. Each is vital, and indispensable. Do you have vision for your life?
Jesus does.
He sees you as an overcomer; as one who has been forgiven, cleansed, and empowered to make a difference. He sees you as someone who is following in His steps; and He is the unflappable Champion. In the same manner that He “gathered up His courage and steeled Himself for the journey” — He sees you doing the same.
Courage is the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty. The journey we have undertaken as followers of Christ demands all the courage we possess. It requires of us a steely, unwavering resolve to meet whatever seeks to delay us, defeat us, detour us, or deny us – to meet such things with a faith that says, “Nevertheless!”
God’s Spirit has given us an ingrained capacity to face the strain and stress of faithfulness with fortitude, patience, and joy. Thus did Jesus walk up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn, and there face unflinching the dark trinity of Satan, Sin, and Death. And there, on a hill far away, our Lord did win a resounding victory.
And, be sure of this one fact – He did it for you! That victory is now yours. Lay claim to it by faith, and you, like Jesus, can gather up your courage and steel yourself for the journey of a lifetime.
Dear James…thanks for the heavy reminder that my suffering from this Southern humidity and storm-front weather is not Calvary’s Mountain. I shall remain ‘unflappable’, though soggy!
Your photo illustration speaks volumes! In His Love, RH
Pastor Ryle you have NO idea how spot on this message was for me today…….Thank you:)
Thank you, thank you, thank you…this was what I needed this morning. Had been thinking along these same lines and your message encouraged and confirmed what I believe the Lord is saying to me. There is SO much stirring within me that wants to come out and yet there seems to be a hindrance that I haven’t been able to identify. I have faith, Lord increase my faith…
Very well said! I’m ready for this journey. He’s NEVER let me down so, I’m NOT going to let him down!