Others were tortured and refused to accept their freedom so they could be raised from the dead to a better life.

(Hebrews 11:35 NCV)

A businessman boards a plane and finds his seatmate in first class is a parrot. When the flight attendant comes by, the parrot says, “I’ll have a Coke,” and the businessman orders the same.

After a few minutes, the parrot squawks, “Where’s my drink? Hurry it up!” The flight attendant rushes over with the Coke — just for the bird.

Later, she comes by again. The parrot orders another Coke and a newspaper. The businessman repeats his request, but when nothing comes, he decides to imitate the parrot. “Hey! Bring me my Coke right now!” he yells.

Suddenly, the flight attendant and two passengers grab both him and the parrot, open the hatch, and toss them out of the plane. As they’re falling through the clouds, the parrot looks over and says, “Wow!  Pretty bold move for a guy with no wings!”

It takes more courage for some people to do certain things than for others. For example, it doesn’t take much courage for most preachers in this country to stand before a church on Sunday morning and preach that Jesus is the Christ. But there are believers around the world who proclaim that same message at great personal risk. They face imprisonment, persecution, or even death. Their courage humbles and inspires us.

That’s why the writer of Hebrews took time to remind us of the saints of old whose faith cost them dearly: “Others were tortured…Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in half, and they were killed with swords…They were poor, abused, and treated badly.” (Hebrews 11:35–38, NCV)

Their courage didn’t come from wings or strength of their own — it came from faith.  Robert Anthony once said, “Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway.”

Perhaps there’s something God is calling you to do that scares you to death. May you be blessed with the courage to act anyway — trusting the One who gives strength to those of us without wings.

Prayer: Father, when fear holds us back, give us the courage to move forward in faith. Strengthen us to do what is right even when it is difficult or costly. May our actions honor you and encourage others to stand strong.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day