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TAKE COURAGE
“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.” – Ezra 10:4
During the first World War, a young man, Martin A. Treptow, a barber in peacetime, enlisted in the Iowa National Guard. Soon he found himself part of the 168th Infantry of the 42nd Division, the Rainbow Division.
In July of 1918, the 42nd was under heavy attack against the Germans in France. Despite heavy artillery bombardment and small arms fire, the 168th Infantry took their objective.
As the battle drew to an end, a messenger was needed to deliver an important word to one of the platoons. Private Treptow grabbed the message and moved out under fire. As he reached the platoon leader, Treptow was shot down by a hail of bullets.
Later, in policing up Treptow’s personnel effects, a diary was found in his blood-stained blouse. Written in Treptow’s own hands were the words entitled, My Pledge, words that serve as a memorial to the price he paid. "America shall win the war. Therefore, I will work. I will save. I will sacrifice. I will endure. I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the whole issue of the struggle depended on my alone."
When you serve the Lord, you need to take courage and know that Christ has won the war against sin. Today in prayer, look to the Lord, take courage and pledge this day to serve Him and Him alone.
“Only he who can say, ‘The Lord is the strength of my life,’ can say, ‘Of whom shall I be afraid?’” – Alexander McClaren
God’s Word: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2005
