As we gather our thoughts to write this message, it's with a mixture of gratitude, hope, and a hint of sadness that we begin to move into another chapter of our ministry, in obedience to God's calling. Today, we come to the moment of declaring victory in this particular battle, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for all the support you've shown us along the way.

When we embarked on this mission, we never could have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around it. Your unwavering enthusiasm, encouragement, and dedication have been the fuel that kept our mission alive. You became more than listeners; you became our friends, our brothers in arms, and our source of inspiration.

Over the past few years, we've explored difficult topics, engaged in thought-provoking conversations, and shared stories that have changed our hearts. Your feedback, comments, and messages have been a constant reminder of why we started this movement in the first place: to inspire heroes of faith.

Although this may be the end of our current battle, it's by no means the end of the fight. We hope you'll carry with you the valuable lessons, tactics, and inspiring stories of modern-day heroes of faith. Our journey may be taking a new direction, but the bonds we've forged are timeless.

So, as we bid farewell to this chapter, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your kindness, and your passion for the great commission. Thank you for being a vital part of our brotherhood and for making this experience one we'll forever honor.

While this may be goodbye for now, it's not farewell forever. We may cross paths again in new and exciting ways. Until then, may your lives be filled with countless adventures, risky endeavors, and victory in Christ our Lord.

With all our gratitude, Pete and Shad - Iron Edge Ministries

Support Shad as he goes to the field!

Join Pete and Shad as they chat with Matt Poulin about the challenges of identifying and grabbing hold of the path God has laid out for you. Matt is a professional athlete who has embraced the difficult challenged God has placed in his path, choosing to be flexible and share Gods love wherever he is. According to Matt, “The most important thing to me is my faith. Through that I make it a priority to make all people I come in contact with feel valued and seen. I am a very genuine person; my heart is to serve others and to help people anyway I can. I believe reputations are very fragile and thus I only promote things that I believe bring value to others lives. Loyalty is another trait I value deeply. I always strive to give more back to the ones who invest in me rather than take. I put 100% effort into the things I commit too. I have done that throughout my life, whether that was Baseball in the PAC-12 or CrossFit Career.”

The Courage of the Jesus

Did you know that Jesus exemplified courage? He not only possessed courage within himself but also instilled it in others. His actions and words inspire us to find courage in our own lives. 

Jesus displayed courage in various instances. For instance, when He walked on water and healed the woman who touched His robe, He spoke words of encouragement and commanded courage. He said, "Courage! It's me" (Mark 6:50-52; Matt. 9:20-22), urging others to be brave and trust in His presence.

What is even more remarkable is that Jesus gathered up His own courage, fully aware of the immense challenge He would face—death on the cross. His obedience to the cross was for our salvation. He took the first step, resolute in His decision to journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).

In the garden of Gethsemane, the weight of what lay ahead was so overwhelming that Jesus sweat blood in agony (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22). When those who sought to arrest Him arrived, Jesus, fully aware of the events that would unfold, fearlessly stepped forward and asked, "Who do you seek?" (John 18:4).

Even after His resurrection, when Jesus found His disciples hiding in fear, He breathed courage into them, through the Holy Spirit, restoring their strength and resolve (John 20:22).

The significance of courage cannot be underestimated. In Hebrews 10:35, it is emphasized that courage carries with it a great reward... “Therefore, let us not lose heart or falter in our courage, for it brings blessings and triumph in our journey of faith!”

This entire study of courage culminates in Jesus, the one true example for us all. By drawing upon His strength and relying on His guidance, we can find the courage to face the unknown, overcome our fears, and fulfill our purpose. Let us look to Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of courage, and seek His presence in our lives.

• Why does the courage Jesus displayed inspire you?

• How can you respond to Jesus when he says, Courage, it is me?

• What will you do with the life that Jesus’ courage afforded for you?