Spiritual warfare calls for courage. The only courage of any worth for a Christian comes from communion with God. “God has not given us the spirit of fear (cowardice)” — but Christians are as a rule shocking cowards. Many a man physically strong when converted, trembles in the presence of his companions, fears to tell them what God has done in the saving of his soul. “The flesh profiteth nothing.” Also, when Satan attacks God’s people, how much fear is evinced by them. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” is the Word of God. Satan cannot stand a bold front — the boldness being God’s strength. “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:44Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)). We must expect wounds in a battle, and the heart gets wounded in spiritual conflict, but every wound that leads us practically into truer dependence upon God is a real benefit to us. If we take our wounds to God, we shall not shrink from conflict because of them. God will heal, but we shall carry the scars.
Perhaps the most difficult thing for a young Christian is the beginning. A bad beginning seldom ends well. A cowardly beginning clings to us for a long time. When a young Christian hoists his flag, and lets his friends and companions know that he is for Christ, half his battle is over. Do not be afraid to confess Christ, and seek to live solely for Christ. The very worst piece of work that you can possibly effect in your whole lifetime, will be signing your name to a temporizing policy with the world and the devil.
Faithful Words for Young and Old, Vol. 9