Video Transcript: Courageous

Welcome to Day 10 lesson 10. The lesson today is entitled courage. When we  started this mini course, we learned that the word virtue or virtuous, actually  means valor, or courageous. We have seen the courage of Abigail intervening  before King David for her husband Nabel's life. We thought Esther risked her life before King Xerxes to plead for the lives of her people. One woman we don't  often think of as courageous is Bathsheba. But she was. King David sent his  servant to bring her to the palace. He impregnated her, killed her husband, then  married her, but we learned that she required something of him. We don't know  the details, but at the end of David's life, when Solomon's brother tried to seize  the throne, Bathsheba goes to David, and reminds him of a promise that he  made to her. Now David is still the king, he is still able to take her life if she  displeases Him. He certainly had the power to tell her that he could change his  mind and that only he would choose Who Would Be King after him. But she  stands up to him on behalf of Solomon, and she secures the throne for her son.  I have often wondered if Solomon wrote Proverbs 31, thinking of his mother,  when you think of courage, what comes to mind? Who comes to mind? Have  you heard the story of Elizabeth Elliott, she and her husband were missionaries,  her husband went with a group of four other men to make contact with a tribe in  Ecuador. After what seemed a successful encounter, the tribe returned a few  days later, and they killed all of the men. Just a few years later, Elizabeth and  two other women returned to the tribe to live with them. So they could witness of the love of Jesus Christ. And through her courage, the tribe was converted, you  will find the letter that Elizabeth wrote to her loved ones just prior to going to live  with the tribe at the link below the video, and you'll see the reason for her  courage. I also included a link to an ebook that has an e reader, you have to  create an account for archive data word. And the book can be used for free for  one hour at a time. And then you have to renew it to listen to all of it. But it is a  remarkable story, and very inspiring. The Lord showed me a few years ago, that  I am far from courageous. He led me to read stories of great men and women  who were instrumental in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, the hardships  they endured, were in ordinate. I read stunning examples of courage such as  the story of Elizabeth Elliot, and I just knew I, I could not have stood the test. I've prayed for God to increase my courage and help me be able to stand firm when  the trials come, and I'm trusting God to transform even this in me, as he's  changed so many other areas of my life. Are you a woman of valor?  Courageous, steadfast? If so, you're already a virtuous woman. If you struggle  with the thought of facing death, for the sake of Christ like I do, you're not alone.  Take a few minutes now to ask God to help you, to bring you through trials so  that you can practice your courage. He will be with you every step of the way.  He is so faithful to His promises, and he will hear and answer your prayers, and  he will give you a heart of courage. Have a wonderful rest of your day. I'll see  you tomorrow.