Charles Stanley - The Courage to Face Danger and Death

Paul’s life not only demonstrates the accuracy of these words—he was stoned, imprisoned, and ultimately martyred. But it also reveals the keys to enduring all sorts of trials. Just as trials and suffering are inescapable in this life, so too is God’s presence. No matter what you have to face, you never have to endure it alone.

At some point in our lives, we will probably encounter dangerous situations, and eventually we’ll all face death. Therefore, it’s important that we be prepared to respond with confidence and trust in God. As Christians we have a basis for courage that other people don’t have. No matter what happens, we know the Lord is always with us; He’s the source of our strength; and our ultimate destiny is heaven.

The apostle Paul experienced many dangers during his lifetime, and as he wrote his last letter to Timothy, he was soon going to face death. Knowing that Timothy would experience similar challenges, Paul encouraged him with these words: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Paul’s life was an amazing example of perseverance through dangers, suffering, and threats of death. According to 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, he experienced imprisonments, beatings, scourgings, shipwrecks, and dangers from travel, weather, robbers, the Jews, the Gentiles, and false brethren. Having courageously lived through all these hardships, Paul had a platform of authority for his message to Timothy.