Brothers and sisters: The Lord is moving in my home as I write this! As a law enforcement officer, I have seen the worst in our communities... drugs, violence, poor judgement... and it occurrs to me that the movie "Courageous" hits on a key point.
Fathers play such an intricate role in the rasiing of a child; the Lord never intended for the woman to bear the burden alone. Where are you, men of courage? Stand up and take your place; take responsibility.
Trust in the Lord; He will provide. In 1 Corrinthians 16:13, we hear "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong". 1) Trust in the Lord. 2) Stay alert, know what's going on - in your life, in your child's life, and be strong. Have the integrity to admit your own wrongs, and forgive the people who have wronged you. God will be the judge in the end; we all have to account for our own sins. Remember that God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to Earth to die for our sins - so we don't have to. Honor that... raise your family to respect the Lord, to trust in the Lord.
From the beginning of the movie, which follows four sheriff's deputies in Georgia, the characters appear as everyday fathers and law enforcement officers just trying to do the job and get home safely. Then, suddenly, one of the character's (Adam) daughters dies in a car accident. And, of course, he struggles with it. I would; anyone would. But, he finds faith and courage in God.
Please, I beg you, do not let it take the death of someone so precious and dear to you to put your faith in the Lord and to trust in Him. Where are you men of courage? Where are you, men who will stand up to the challenge and follow the word of the Lord and raise your family true? He never promised that the cross would not get heavy, or the hill would not be hard to climb; He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time. He doesn't promise an explanation, but he promises to help. And you will be tested; you may vow to yourself that you'll be a better father or person in general - but the true test is when you are confronted with a dilemma. Can you be firm, and steadfast in your belief and love for God, and do what is right (and not necessarily easy)?
Men of courage: I challenge you! Step up! Be there for your families as the Lord, Jesus Christ, is for all of His children. When the journey feels like it's too much to bear, pray to the Lord for guidance. Through God, all things are possible.
