Day 257

Ezra 4:6; 6:14b-22; Esther 1:1-4:17.   “Courage from Above”

         On March 11, 2007, Morgan Tsvangirai, founder of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change, was forced to cancel a prayer meeting because the attendees were in grave danger from riot police.  Tsvangirai himself was beaten and jailed later when he attempted to visit the 40-some supporters who were arrested at the prayer gathering.  Reflecting on that experience, Tsvangirai said, “Far from killing my spirit, the scars they brutally inflicted on me have re-energized me…”
         For men like Tsvangirai and Mordecai, whom we read about today, the courage to stand against oppression and persecution does not merely come from one’s own internal fortitude.  Rather, it is in God that they find the courage to take a stand when governing authorities are in conflict with God’s will.
         When you face potential persecution or humiliation for your Christian faith, may you have the courage of Mordecai, who stood up to Haaman, or of Peter and John who stood up to the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:29).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?