This is not the final word on courage,
although it may be my final word that you will see published, for my medical
prognosis is not what the doctor calls encouraging.
Courage is not a veiled death wish as
seen in the lifestyles that defy all reasonable expectations. Courage is not the
instantaneous acts that most persons think of as heroic. Though many such acts are to be
lauded, there is seldom much thought given to the consequences of one's actions.
Do not the Scriptures teach that we are
to exercise wisdom, good judgment, and prudence? Courage analyses all known factors then
decides upon a course of action based on that analysis. Yes, one may be fearful of the
unknown. He may even be more fearful of known potentials. But courage acts even though
harm may be to one's self. When David is talking about the person who will abide in God's
presence, he says in Psalm 15:1-4, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who
shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and
speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to
his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person
is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt,
and changeth not." Note that even when a person swore to his own hurt and yet had the
courage to keep his oath, David pronounced him blessed.
Courage is preparing to live in such a
way as to glorify God despite having been pronounced terminally ill. We are born
terminally ill. "For it is appointed unto man once to die and after that the
judgment" (Heb. 9:27). As we begin to mature and become aware of death we may begin
to make some type of arrangements for expiration, even though the idea of our own death
seems unreal. We buy insurance. We make wills. And the more mature among us begin thinking
about making peace with God, with our neighbor, and with ourselves.
But then comes the announcement,
"Your form of cancer has no known cure." "The symptoms can be treated to
some extent with radiation and chemotherapy. But you are dying. You should make
arrangements to enter a nursing home so someone can care for you."
Generally persons tend to react in one
of two ways. Many do not accept what their doctors have told them. They search every where
for that elusive cure. Others simply give up. They take to their beds and lie there
bemoaning their fate and waiting for death. Some may begin to enjoy the extra attention
they are getting. They act in such a way as to evoke the sympathy of others.
But there is a better alternative, one
that will glorify God. Even a smile can do wonders for another. So can a simple 'please'
or 'thank you.' Taking time to just listen to another's problems of the day can ease his
burdens. These simple things glorify God. And a person who is terminally ill can feel
freer to ask, "How about a hug?" Both persons will feel better and will glorify
God. And when a person comes to cheer up one who is terminally ill and leaves feeling
better than when he came, then God has been glorified.
True courage does not ignore obstacles.
True courage recognizes obstacles but goes on to glorify God despite all obstacles. Mark
Twain put it this way, "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence
of fear." William Cullen Bryant said, "So live, that when thy summons comes to
join the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm, where each shall take
his chamber in the silent halls of death, thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, approach thy
grave, like one that wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant
dreams."
However, Paul's inspired statement gives
more comfort and encouragement than any and all the writings of ordinary men, and he said
in Philippians 1:23, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart,
and to be with Christ; which is far better." Those of us who have put our trust in
the Lord and accepted His grace through an obedient faith can accept the statement of Paul
at face value, and face the future with courage.
Sandra F. Cobble
©Sandra F. Cobble. Permission granted to use this
article in any manner, as long as:
1) The content is not changed and 2) the name of the author is left on the article.