1997. The year of many firsts in my life. Some things that happened in that year are permanently etched on my memory – never to be forgotten. It was my first year as an undergraduate, the first time I wore a pair of Jeans, the first time I ate in a ‘buka’ and the first time I slept ‘69’ on a hostel bed. One of those firsts reminds me of my absolute lack of courage and guts in those days.
I was in a Christian fellowship of first year students and in order for us to begin the process of having the school ‘pass through’ us; we formed visiting pairs, which changed every week. One of those weeks, I had to visit someone in the girls’ hostel. All the courage I thought I had just disappeared. But for the fact that I had to give a report of the visit, I would have abandoned the idea. I made many false starts: I would leave my room, all psyched up and when I got to the last turn before the room; I would take the opposite turn. This happened twice and with the third trial, I managed to pull myself to the door of the room and tapped gently on the door.
I sat on the only chair that was available in my host’s corner of the room. I slowly took the drink that I was offered and pretended to be busy memorizing her collection of pictures. I crossed the first hurdle; the next hurdle was to hold a meaningful conversation. On this particular day, that did not just happen for me. At least I had visited the room and I was not going to default on my assignment.
I can look back at that event now and have a good laugh at my own expense. However, lack of courage could cost us some very important things that we won’t be able to laugh about. Lack of courage could mean that we’re not able to share the good news of the gospel to someone that is gallantly heading the wrong way or we are not able to pray for that sick person, even when we have been given the power to lay hands on the sick for healing. You may actually have your own example of what this has cost you. All sorts of thoughts could run through our minds and drain any courage that we have been able to muster: “What if he doesn’t get healed when I pray”, “What if I get trashed for sharing the gospel”, “What if … (fill in your own blanks)”
However, the Word of God is complete and has more than enough profitable prescriptions for this malaise, this is just one of them: 2Tim 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (NIV)
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (AMP)
“God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” (MSG)
If you really understand this verse, then there is no stopping you by God’s grace. You may only get one chance to take that leap.
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