[Difference Makers] Courage Sample

Difference Makers Take Action

Imagine the paralyzed man on his mat. He was probably used to it. His friends were used to seeing him on it and to helping him get around on it. Maybe the paralyzed man was even comfortable. But Jesus said to him, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Now think about the fear the man felt as he stood up for the first time. Would his legs give out? Would he fall flat on his face? Was this a joke? Would he be tricked? Would he be embarrassed? The man had to have the courage to get up and to take up his mat.

All of us get comfortable with things that we know are not the best for us. It happens to everyone, Christians and non-Christians both. God says, “Get up,” and maybe I respond, “Hey, I like my mat. It is comfortable.” God’s Spirit prompts me to get up a little earlier, to get some quiet time, and I say, “No, I like my sleep.” And God says, “Get up. Do something different,” and I say, “No.” We like the mat, even though we know it is not what is best for us.

Change is hard, but difference makers know they have to change. They know they must have courage. They know they must take action. It is not easy. I try to eat right, and exercise, but sometimes I rebel. I put all this processed cheese, that good old queso, on my tortilla chips. There I am, shoving it in my arteries. There are times when I don’t want to do what is right. I want to do what is wrong. I like my mat, and that’s where I want to stay. 

It isn’t always about food. God speaks to us for our own good. You know what your mat is—that comfortable sin. Jesus tells us, like He told the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” The man had the courage to obey. Do we? Are we living in faith or are we living in fear? Are we getting up and walking with God, or are we comfortable on the mat? Do not stay in the comfortableness of sin. Take action. Get up. 

Pray: Lord, give me the courage to change so You can make a difference through me. Help me to put my sins and rebellion aside.