Courageous Faith

By Beverly Hill McKinney

When we think of courage, we often think of those fighting for our country or acts of heroic significance. But courage comes in many forms. Just getting up and talking in front of a group of people takes courage. Enduring an extended illness in the face of great odds also requires courage. Where do we place courage in our walk of faith?

When I think courage I think of prayer warriors who spend hours in prayer to the Lord on behalf of others. They pursue the Thorne of Grace when others seem to have given up. Their courage to persist in prayer has rescued many from ultimate disaster.

Those who give up everything of earthly value and spend years ministering in far off countries also show true courage. Leaving their loved ones and their “luxuries” they struggle with new languages and environments to bring God’s Word to others.

The Bible gives us examples of courage. Prayer warrior? I think of the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. She was a woman who courageously approached God’s throne and pleaded with God for a son. She was in such despair in prayer that Eli, the temple priest believed at first she was drunk. But, because of her persistence, God granted her wish and gave her a son who became a judge and prophet for Israel.

Another example of courage is Abraham. In Genesis 22:2-13 Abraham is told by God to take his only son, Isaac and offer a sacrifice. Abraham’s trusts God and prepares to offer his son as a sacrifice in obedience. As he raised his arm with knife in hand to sacrifice Isaac, an angel tells Abraham to stop. God provides a ram for the sacrifice.

In Exodus 17:9-12 is another story of courage in face of overwhelming odds. Moses tells Joshua to lead the fight against the large armies of Amelak and he, Moses, stands on the hill holding his staff in obedience to God’s command. As the battle ensues, Moses courageously follows God’s command and keeps his arms raised. When he gets tired he drops his hand, but each time Amalek prevails. To help Moses keep his staff in the air Aaron and Hur hold up Moses’ arms and Israel defeats the enemy.

When we are faced with insurmountable odds, with courage and action like Moses, we, too, can defeat our enemies.

We can call upon God when difficulties overwhelm us and stand firm in prayer taking God at His word. Hebrews 13:6: “we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” This is courageous faith.

Beverly Hill McKinney writes from Rogue River, Oregon. bmckinnehill@yahoo.com