Be Brave in the War

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

There is a war raging on Truth. Our postmodern, post-Truth world is doing all it can to undermine the very notion of objective Truth—creating the perfect breeding ground for heresy and false religion. As a result, our culture considers it foolish—even hateful—for Christians to contend for basic Biblical beliefs. But we must stand firm in our faith, speaking the Truth that the world needs to hear.

Read Daniel 1. Daniel lived in a culture like ours, but he trusted in and drew courage from Almighty God. When Daniel and his friends were only teenagers, they refused to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, and God granted them favor. Later in life, Daniel was hated, falsely accused, and thrown into a lion’s den for once again refusing to compromise his faith. But he never gave in to fear.

In the face of overwhelming opposition, Daniel trusted in the Lord—and we are to do the same. As we depend on Christ, He will give us the strength to exercise our prophetic voice and speak out against the evils in our culture—both bravely and compassionately. 

Fallen humanity wants to be God—not submit to His will. Therefore, we should not be surprised when we are reviled for our faith in Christ. If ever you are mocked or criticized, realize you are receiving the blows meant for our Lord. And use this opportunity to share the Good News of Christ’s love (see Colossians 1:24).

In the coming years, as hostility toward Jesus Christ increases in the West, it will take great faith to take up our cross and follow Him. Our faith may cost us our livelihood, our reputation, our relationships, and more. Why, then, would we choose to stand for Truth when it is socially, politically, or economically inconvenient to do so?

The only answer is that Christ is worthy—and His Gospel is worth fighting for, even giving our lives for, if necessary. Jesus Christ died on a cross to reconcile us to the Father, and His resurrection was the great turning point in the war against evil. Our Savior has won; He lives! And His victory is the reason we can be brave today. We cannot afford to be idle or passive. We must courageously speak God’s Truth. And we can do so knowing that He is with us.

Prayer: Jesus, You are worthy! Your Gospel is life. Help me to walk in Your victory with love and peace toward others. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened’” (1 Peter 3:14).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!