We support people who are beaten, tortured, laughed at, imprisoned, falsely accused, disowned, ignored and hated simply for following Jesus.
Study Series
Five minute study: Courage
Got five minutes? Of course you have! Read through this super-quick study to grab some thoughts on courage, inspired by the story of a young Christian lad from Iraq. It might only take you a few minutes to read, but hopefully the words and ideas will stick with you the whole day!
Ammar, 10, Iraq
“I sometimes imagine I have a special cape, like superman wears. I think of myself as a superhero, protecting people.
“I used to play outside, but when the war started we had to play inside all the time. When we do go outside we take the car, but I help my Dad, check under the engine first for bombs. We even have some suitcases stuffed with things in case we have to leave in the middle of the night.
“A really, really bad thing happened at our church – a bomb exploded and I lost a lot of my friends. They were all killed. I didn’t see it, but I heard most of the stories. Things will never be the same, but if I have this special cape I can protect my family.
“Before bed, when my Dad prays for me, he tells me that Jesus will take care of us and I mustn’t worry. He tells me that God even loves the people who hurt us. He tells me that Jesus is love—and that it is something like my special cape.”
Bible
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
Think
Being scared is easy. It’s having courage that is hard. In the face of war it would be easy to live in fear. But because of Jesus, Ammar’s Dad is showing him another way. Praying for those who would hurt, rob and accuse you is not easy. Remembering the God of love and life in the midst of destruction and death might seem impossible. But with God all things are possible. He says ‘Do not fear’. His presence brings courage. They depend on Jesus.
We might not face the same threats and devastation that Ammar does, but we can be inspired by his courage. Jesus wants us to be brave. He wants us to speak up for him and to show his love in our lives and situations. That might mean not laughing at someone’s expense, stopping the gossip or speaking up when someone is being unfairly treated. That takes courage, but with Jesus you can be braver than you ever imagined.
Pray
- Pray for children like Ammar living through some horrendous situations.
- Ask that they might have courage and strength.
- Ask that they will be protected from harm and that they will know Jesus right there with them.
- Ask God to show you ways that you can bravely stand up for him.
- Ask for courage to speak up and act differently.
Other quick studies in this series
We support people who are beaten, tortured,
imprisoned, falsely accused, and hated simply for following Jesus.
