My father usually calls to catch up, but occasionally e-mails.  Underneath his signature is the quote ‘be strong and courageous.’  I love that quote and try to be courageous amidst the turmoil in our world, stress with work, family, etc.  

What keeps us from being courageous?  The unknown.  Disappointment.  Fear of finding out what we don’t really want to know.  Failure.  This is the time to be courageous, and I find it best to ask the Lord to do his best work on me.

In today’s reading, Saul was tormenting and killing the first century Christians without remorse.  The disciples were ‘afraid of him.’  I would be, too.  After Saul’s conversion, and name change to Paul, Barnabus mustered up all his courage to assist and let the Lord do his best work.

Let us all ask the Lord for courage.