How can we show courage like Rahab when facing difficult decisions today? Setting the Scene—Joshua 2:4 “ But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from.’ ” What Rahab Actually Did • She believed the reports of the LORD’s power (Joshua 2:9–11) and acted on that belief. • She protected the Israelite spies at personal risk, choosing truth to God over loyalty to Jericho’s authorities. • Her courage was immediate and practical: hiding, misdirecting, and then helping the men escape (vv. 15–16). Courage Principles Drawn from Rahab • Conviction precedes courage: sure knowledge that the LORD is the true God fuels fearless choices. • Obedience may require defying ungodly demands (Acts 5:29). • Courage often happens in the ordinary—using one’s home, voice, and resources for righteous ends. • Faith makes courage contagious; Rahab’s household was ultimately saved through her stand (Joshua 6:22–25). Living Rahab-Like Courage Today 1. Ground decisions in God’s revealed truth. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 2. Count the cost, then trust God with the outcome. – Luke 14:27–28 speaks of counting the cost of discipleship. 3. Protect and promote God’s people and purposes. – Galatians 6:10 urges believers to “do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 4. Act promptly; delayed obedience weakens resolve. – James 4:17 reminds that knowing the right thing and failing to do it is sin. 5. Remember that God honors courageous faith. – Hebrews 11:31 lists Rahab among the faithful. Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage • Memorize key promises (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7). • Pray for boldness daily, as the early church did (Acts 4:29). • Practice small acts of obedience now to stand firm when bigger tests arrive. • Surround yourself with believers who model fearless faith (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Record past deliverances to recall God’s faithfulness when fear rises (1 Samuel 17:37 principle). Promises That Empower Courage • “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1. • “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7. • “The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6. Encouraging Bible Parallels • Esther risked her life for her people (Esther 4:16). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused idolatry despite the furnace (Daniel 3:16–18). • Peter and John spoke truth under threat (Acts 4:19–20). Closing Challenge Stand firm on God’s unchanging Word, act swiftly in obedience, and trust the LORD to honor courageous faith just as He honored Rahab’s. |
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