The Bible Echo, vol. 8

February 1, 1893

“Be of Good Courage” The Bible Echo 8, 3.

E. J. Waggoner

A discouraged man is not good for anything. This is well understood in all the affairs of life. In election campaigns we find the party manager sending out the most cheering news, and insisting that victory is sure. Even though there are adverse circumstances, they will say nothing about them, but keep the minds of the people encouraged with the thought of victory. They know that this is their only hope of success. If the people should be allowed to think that the issue is doubtful, they would become discouraged, and then they would not make any efforts. BEST February 1, 1893, par. 1

In going into battle the most during tunes are played by the bands, so that the soldiers may be filled with the thoughts of victory. Alexander’s soldiers were said to be indefensible; but the only reason of their continued victories was that they were continually of good courage they were no braver than other men, but they were filled with the idea that their commander could not lose a battle, and therefore they had no fear of defeat. And because they expected to win, they did win. BEST February 1, 1893, par. 2

So in the Christian life we are exhorted to be of good courage, because only in that lies our hope of victory. And if our courage is good there can be no doubt of victory. It is no pain confidence that we are to have, but confidence that comes from the certainty of victory. It is not confidence in ourselves, but in GOD. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10. “Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS.” 2 Timothy 2:1. BEST February 1, 1893, par. 3

And why strong in Him? He Himself gives the reason. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. He has overcome the world; therefore everyone that trust in Him will also overcome the world. In Him the victory is already gained. “This is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4, R.V. CHRIST has spoiled principalities and powers, so that when we meet them in His strength, they have no power against us. So we may well be of good courage, knowing that in the LORD there is no possibility of defeat. If any are not of good courage, if they doubt, it is because they do not have confidence in the power of the Leader, in whom alone there is victory. BEST February 1, 1893, par. 4

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, for as much as ye know that your laboUr is not in vain in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. BEST February 1, 1893, par. 5