When we read in Hebrews 11 about all those men and women of faith there is one thing that is clearly evident: by faith they possessed a visible courage and boldness. Noah faced a mocking generation, Abraham departed his idolatrous homeland, Moses chose to suffer the afflictions of the people of God, Rahab hid the spies at risk of her life, Gideon fought with only three hundred men and the list goes on and on. People of faith are people of courage. Spiritual courage to take a stand for, earnestly contend for and be set in defense of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ. True faith fears no foe! Whether it be open opposition from an enemy or subtle resistance from family or friend-faith stands, come what may.

It is disturbing that there are so many who profess to be believers, and yet they are never able to stand against the influence or opposition from those around them. They can be manipulated, silenced, led to disobey plain teaching of scripture, kept from worship or from faithfully worshipping and kept from continuing in the way of Christ. These who are without courage are without faith, and being without faith they are without Christ. To be without Christ is to be without God and without hope in this world.

The early church while faced with opposition from those around them prayed to God for greater spiritual courage: "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word." Acts 4:29. Like Jeremiah of old we weep for those who profess to be people of faith and yet they are not "valiant for the truth" (Jer. 9:1-3). May we by God's grace be of that company of faith who "waxed valiant in fight, turned to fight the armies of the aliens." Heb. 11:34. May we be bold in the faith of the gospel of grace and fearless and faithful in the face of all who oppose it.