Courageous Examples of Faith Conquering Fear
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. -- 2 Kings 6:16-17
We all have seen them, the movies with a bully who gets his comeuppance. We cheer for the underdog and love it when the bully is put in his (or her) place. But I love it even more when the bully looks up and sees his victim in a new light, someone who is not afraid anymore, like he has a whole army standing behind him ready to fight the bully. The bully turns and runs in the opposite direction, never to pick on his victim again.
If we were watching 2 Kings 6 play out on a movie screen, we may be cheering when the bullies get their due. But we may miss the point if we stay there. Elisha was a bit of a warrior, some may have even considered him a bully. However, he was standing up for righteousness. He was not trying to intimidate or get the little kid’s lunch money.
Elisha was courageous. Was he courageous because he was strong? Was he courageous because the men around him were mighty warriors? Was he courageous because he was smarter than the bad guys?
He was courageous because he had faith in the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. -- Psalm 46:7
He was courageous because he knew his help came from the Maker of the Heavens and the Earth. -- Psalm 121
He was courageous enough to believe God would protect them and did not lift a finger against the enemy. In fact, once they had captured the Aramean army, he fed them and sent them home, never to be bothered by this bully again.
There are more than 50 verses (depending on the version) directing us to ‘be strong and courageous.’ In every single instance though, we are not supposed to be strong and courageous because of our own strength or wisdom. No, we are supposed to be strong and courageous, because the Lord our God is with us.
In fact, not only is the Lord with us, but He is before us, behind us, and His hand is upon us (Psalm 139). He is the shield about us (Psalm 3). He is our protector and strong fortress (Psalm 18).
Often, we get ourselves worked into a fearful frenzy when we are facing unfamiliar challenges. We are afraid we will not have the resources we need or the right words to say.
We don’t ever need to be the bully, because our Father owns a cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50). He is our confidence (Proverbs 3:26). He will go before us and fight the battles in our stead.
When Moses was trembling at the thought of speaking to Pharaoh, God told him, “I will be with you.” And when the Israelites were faced with the reality of the Egyptian army chasing them down, God told Moses, “You only need to be still, and I will fight for you,” (Exodus 14:14)
Mary must have been terrified when the angel approached her and told her that she had been chosen by The Most High God to bear the Messiah. She knew the prophecies. She knew the horrible pain she and her family would endure. Yet, she said, “May it be unto me as you have said.” That, friends, is courage!
The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who became extraordinary because of their courage, because of their faith, because they clung to the promise that is as true today as it was when it was written thousands of years ago, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6), (Hebrews 13:5)
Questions for Reflection:
1. Most of us think having courage means we step into action, but what if having courage means being still?
2. What if having courage means surrendering your fears and battles?
3. What if courage means standing strong in your faith and not bending to the world’s pressures?
4. What must you face today that you could do better with The Lord of Heaven's Armies behind you? All you have to do is ask. He is with you and will not leave or forsake you.
