Article June 9, 1986 Issue

Moral courage—find it in God

MARCIA PERRY DUNSCOMBE

Have you ever been deeply moved upon hearing of an individual's strong stand for goodness and integrity in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable challenges? The ability to refuse to give up or surrender to discouragement, hopelessness, and despair is certainly a desirable goal for all of us.

Exactly what is this quality of resolute strength and where is its source? Why do some individuals seem to possess it and others not? Is it available only to some or only under the most extreme situations? What does the Bible tell us?

The Scriptures are filled with accounts of individuals who desired to follow God. Their faithfulness to God enabled them to demonstrate great strength at times when danger appeared to be threatening their work or their very existence. Noah, the ark builder (see Gen., chaps. 6-8), obeyed God when faced with the threat of the impending flood and was protected. Abigail (see I Sam., chap. 25) followed her spiritual sense to help David, the future king of Israel, and not only silenced the strife between her husband and David but was herself released and cared for. Daniel was protected in the lions' den (see Dan., chap. 6). Joseph never gave in to the evil that claimed to separate him from good (see Gen., chaps. 37, 39–45). He was preserved to save not only his family during a famine but thousands of others.

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