by Cathy Baker

{ Day 22 } 

A Syrian father gathered up his two young children, both under the age of 12. He told them there would soon come a day when they would hear a knock at the door, and that those people (ISIS) would be there to harm their family.

He told them that when they open the door, they will say to the men Jesus is King and I forgive you. The father assured them that even though the pain would hurt for a little while, they would all be together again in heaven for an eternity. 
Only weeks later, there was a knock at the door. Jesus the King was proclaimed. The men were forgiven by the family. The entire family was slaughtered.

As this story was shared a few Sundays ago (told to our pastor by the uncle of these children) I couldn’t help but wonder if I could possibly be that brave, knowing that one rap on the door would mean certain death for my family. 

Brave enough to be that honest with my young children.
Brave enough not to run and hide.
Brave enough to answer the door.  

Our Lhasa Apso half-way under the couch.

Unfortunately, my actions tend to resemble Rupert’s, our Lhasa Apso. I may not bury my head beneath an Ikea sofa but it’s buried nonetheless. Distractions, ignorance, and don’t forget my rose-colored glasses. Sigh.

I want to be brave—I really do—and yet too often I don’t speak up, or stretch my hospitality muscles, or do a hundred other things to prove it.

The above family’s boldness is on a whole different level than what most of us face on a a daily basis. And yet, the truth is, a day is coming when we, or our future generations, may need to gather up the children and explain how one day soon they will hear a knock at the door. 

The question is, will we be brave? 

Staying in Step with the Holy Spirit: Truth and boldness go hand-in-hand. The more we know God, the closer we draw to Him, giving us divine courage exactly when we need it. 

Heavenly Father, bless this uncle for sharing his story. That act alone required bravery! Surround him and the remaining family members with Your presence, love, and mercy. Boost our bravery that we might live boldly for Christ Jesus. Help us not to fear the knocks at our door, but to see each and every rap as an opportunity to proclaim Jesus as King. 

Do you consider yourself to be brave and daring? How has knowing God’s Word helped these qualities to emerge in your life? 

{ Day 15 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Paper Bookmark
{ Day 16 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Fresh Start
{ Day 17 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Spontaneous Service
{ Day 18 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation, Wk. 3
{ Sunday } 
{ Day 20 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Mini-Getaway