Being Brave Isn’t Easy

Bible Reading: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 13:5-6

Sparks exploded into the air as Kevin threw logs into the firepit. “Okay, Dad,” he said. “How about telling us a scary story?”

“No way!” Megan said. “I want to sleep tonight. How about a story of someone who was brave—even though they were scared?”

“Yeah,” Kevin said. “Like army soldiers. They’re brave.”

“You bet they’re brave,” Dad said. “Like Van T. Barfoot, a Choctaw Native American who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II.”

Kevin sat on a stump close to the fire. “What did he do?”

“During an attack, enemy machine gunfire pinned down his fellow soldiers, but Barfoot went through a minefield to single-handedly take out all three of the guns. He even came back with seventeen prisoners!”

“Wow!” Kevin said. “He really was brave.”

“I’d like to be brave,” Megan said. “But I’m not a soldier. I just go to school.”

“There are many ways to be brave at school,” Dad said. “And do you know who will help you?”

“Jesus!” Megan said.

“Yes,” said Dad. “He helps you be brave wherever you are, and that includes school. Being brave is about doing the right thing, even when you’re scared. What scares you at school?”

“Bullies,” Kevin said. “They scare everyone.”

“Well then, a brave thing you could do would be to help someone who’s being bullied by getting an adult involved,” Dad said.

“But then I could be bullied too!” Kevin said.

“That’s why it’s brave,” said Dad. “Or maybe you could invite someone who doesn’t have any friends to sit with you at lunch.”

“Hey, that’s hard,” Megan said. “What would my friends say?”

“Being brave isn’t easy,” Dad said. “But remember that the Bible says Jesus is always with us and gives us strength and courage to do what’s right.”

“Well, I can be brave if Jesus is helping me,” Megan said.

“Barfoot did the right thing to protect others—even though he was scared,” Kevin said. “I guess I could help someone who is being bullied—as long as God is helping me!”

“You may not get a medal,” Dad said, “but you’ll be showing them His love if you do.” Matt Shoemaker

How About You?

Do you find it hard to be brave? That’s because it’s not easy to put yourself at risk to help others—it’s scary! But Jesus is always with you, and He promises to give you strength and courage to show others His love. Trust Him to be with you and help you reach out to others, even when you feel afraid.

Today’s Key Verse:
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

God helps us be brave