If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
— Proverbs 24:10-12

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
— James 4:17

~~~~~

Brave Lady of the Lord
By Jennifer Kane

At first, fear ruled every decision.
Avoidance became second nature—
dodging conflict, retreating from challenge,
making excuses for inaction.

Like Peter in the courtyard,
denying Jesus to save himself,
a coward’s heart beats with fear—
fear of rejection, failure, and suffering.

But then, Jesus steps in.
His love, relentless and unshaken,
calls out: “Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

The trembling soul, weary of running, begins to listen.
The same power that turned fishermen into fearless preachers,
that emboldened Paul to proclaim Christ in chains,
begins its work.

Transformation is not instant,
but step by step, faith replaces fear.
The one who once hid begins to stand.

Encouraged by His Spirit,
emboldened by His truth,
strengthened by His presence—
courage takes root.

No longer ruled by fear,
she steps forward—
not in her own strength,
but in the power of the One
who conquered death itself.

Now, boldness defines her.
She speaks truth with love,
acts with conviction,
faces trials with unwavering faith.

The coward is gone.
In Christ, she is fearless.
A brave Lady of the Lord

~~~~~

There are moments in life when we stand at a crossroads. We see what is right, but fear whispers, Stay silent. Stay safe. We see injustice, but complacency tells us, It’s not your problem. Yet God’s Word is clear—knowing the right thing and refusing to do it is sin.

The Bible is filled with examples of those who stood in courage and those who shrank back in fear. Esther risked her life to save her people (Esther 4:16). Daniel refused to stop praying, even when threatened with death (Daniel 6:10). But Pilate, though he knew Jesus was innocent, chose to wash his hands rather than take a stand (Matthew 27:24).

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). When we let fear dictate our actions, we reject the strength God has given us. When we stand by as evil prevails, we become complicit in it. Proverbs 24:11-12 warns us that we cannot claim ignorance when we fail to act—God sees our hearts.

Yet, even in our failures, there is grace. Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear, but when he repented, Jesus restored him and called him to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). If fear has kept you silent, if hesitation has held you back, know this: God’s mercy is abundant, and His power is available to you.

Have you ever let fear keep you from doing what is right?
Is there a situation in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith?
How can you rely on His strength rather than your own?

This week, ask God to give you the courage to act when you see an opportunity to do good. Whether it’s speaking truth, helping someone in need, or standing up against wrongdoing, choose faith over fear.

~~~~~

Father God, forgive me for the times I have let fear hold me back. Fill me with Your boldness, that I may stand for truth and righteousness. Help me to trust in Your strength rather than my own. Let me be a light in the darkness, showing Your love and justice in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 27 2025