Topic: Your Courage Is Contagious [RICK WARREN Devotional 7 November 2024]
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Your Courage Is Contagious
by Rick Warren — November 7, 2024
“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.”
Daniel 6:26 (NIV)
It’s tough sometimes to stand up for what you know God wants and expects when others ridicule your faith.
But when you stand up when everyone else is sitting down, you’ll draw unbelievers to God.
That’s because courage is contagious. You never know how many people will join you until you courageously step out in faith.
Most people are waiting for someone to demonstrate faith. They’re waiting for someone to demonstrate faith. The faith and courage of one person can ignite it in others.
This was true in Daniel’s life. When Daniel bravely stood up for God and publicly prayed to the true God (instead of worshipping King Darius), he got tossed into a den of hungry lions. But as we’ve seen in recent devotionals, God rescued Daniel.
And King Darius took notice.
The Bible says of the pagan king: “Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: ‘May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 NIV).
Pagan kings don’t issue decrees like that. It’s obvious that Darius became a follower of the one true God. Daniel showed courage and stood up for God in the midst of a very difficult situation. And Daniel’s witness for God led to Darius’ decision to follow God.
Your courage may benefit you, like it did for Daniel. But it’s not just for your own good.
When you stand up for God, wherever you are, other people will take notice. God will use your courage to help others respond with courage in their own trials.
Courage—real, God-honoring courage—draws people to God.
Talk It Over
- Why do you think courage is contagious?
- How have you been motivated by someone else’s courage and faith?
- What step of faith can you take this week that will show courage and possibly motivate others to do the same?
Jesus is your unshakable foundation.
Jesus is your salvation, a fortress where you won’t be shaken.
He said, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life. . . . They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25 MSG).
Jesus’ love is unconditional. He promises to be with you forever. He is the unshakable foundation who will help you become unshakable. But the first step is to accept his promise of salvation.
If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.
“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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