During the 1300s a hideous plague swept across Europe killing a fourth of the population. The Black Death caused black blood spots to form under a person’s skin and quickly destroyed its victims. Citizens would flee to other towns when the plague descended, hoping to avoid its deadly curse. Among those who perished were an unusually large number of Christians. These committed believers stayed behind when others fled to care for the sick and dying and paid the price with their own lives.

After the latest, devastating earthquake, Japan’s nuclear workers are demonstrating an ability to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their fellow countrymen. The daily news updates unfold a remarkable display of courage. I’m reminded of the quote by Ambrose Redmoon, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”

What are you currently facing that causes your heart to fear? Is there something within your fearful situation that causes you to move courageously forward because that “something” is more important than what you fear? If you can’t move forward, maybe you need to find the “something” that is more important than your fear. Find it, name it, and go for it.

While you are trying to find the “something,” find the Someone. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).  You are not in this fearful situation alone.

How are you learning courage in the face of your fears? Would you have responded like the Christians did during the Black Death? Would you willing sacrifice your life for others as those brave Japanese are doing? Why or why not?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis