Courage Under Fire: Doing Hard Things

by Marilynn Chadwick We’ve been exploring practical ways to increase our courage. We see in 1 Samuel 30:1-7 how King David strengthened himself after a devastating attack by the Amalekites. David first got alone and "strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam 30:6b ESV). He sought God's wisdom. Then he courageously obeyed God's instructions. In the Hebrew language, the words “strength” and “courage” are interchangeable. So when David “strengthened himself in the Lord,” he also gained new courage to fight his battles. The brave warrior gathered his men and set out to attack the Amalekites—with God's assurance of victory. And sure enough, David brought back all the women and children that had been captured, as well as all the property. He had experienced God’s power in battle before, so he was certain God could be trusted again. David's courageous obedience resulted in a thrilling victory. In both Hebrew and Greek, the original Bible languages, the words for listen and obey are virtually the same. So hearing God implies that I will obey his marching orders. If I want to grow strong in the Lord, it’s vital that I learn to both hear and obey. What’s more, obedience to the voice of God increases both strength and courage. But sometimes, God asks us to do hard things. What about you? Do you sometimes avoid stepping into the fray—as I've been known to do? Especially when he asks me to do something that calls for courage and self-sacrifice. Remember, we have an advantage over King David when it comes to hearing God. For one thing, as believers in Christ, we have the gift of his Holy Spirit who dwells in us. So we have access to God's voice in a much more intimate way. And second, we have the entire Bible available to us. Imagine how David would have felt if he had the whole Bible in his hands—complete with his own book of Psalms! Learning from King David, we must sometimes withdraw and give God time to speak to us. A few minutes each day to read and reflect on God's promises—letting them sink down deep—are nourishment to our soul. God's Word sharpens our inner hearing of God’s voice. Jesus said believers will recognize his voice. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 NIV). Has God ever asked you to do a hard thing? Did you say yes? How did obedience to God's Word help you grow stronger? Increase your courage? Perhaps he is asking you to do a hard thing today.

Courage Under Fire: Woman of Valor

by Marilynn Chadwick Who can find a woman of valor? (Proverbs 31:10 OJB) The dictionary defines valor as “courage and bravery in the face of danger.” But the Hebrew word for valor, as I have been sharing with you, is chayil. Chayil is a much more vibrant definition, depicting “a warrior, army, strength, honor, even wealth.” Chayil is actually a military term. So I was surprised to discover that the famed Proverbs 31 woman is called eishet chayil, or “woman of valor.” Woman of valor. What a beautiful description. All over the world, on Friday evening before Shabbat, the Jewish husband will recite or sing “Woman of Valor” as a way to honor his wife—to reflect upon all she has done for him, his family, and for the community (Proverbs 31:10-31). But again, why a military term? Let’s remember that the life of the Proverbs 31 woman would not have been easy. She likely faced marauding thieves, extreme heat and cold, and a myriad of pestilences. She needed to be strong, brave, and always prepared, because in one way or another, she was always at war. On a spiritual level, it makes sense that every woman, every home, every community–in every part of the world–is also at war. The Bible warns all believers to be alert, watchful, armed, and ready for battle against the enemy of our souls (1 Peter 5:8-9). It makes me wonder why we lost sight of the woman of valor in the first place. From the beginning of time, the devil has been intent upon robbing the woman of her true purpose and worth. God created her part nurturer and part warrior. Let’s face it. If you defeat the woman, you can attack marriages, families, and communities. My friend Barbara, who ministered for many years in the inner-city, once said it this way, “If you take down the mamas, you will take down the babies.” It’s time to reclaim the woman of valor. Our world needs women who are full of strength and gentleness. Both tough and tender. Adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. To download a copy of Woman of Valor please visit: momentsofhopechurch.org/books

Courage Under Fire: Becoming Like A Child Takes Courage

by Marilynn Chadwick Sometimes God provides a deep spiritual lesson when we least expect. While reading through Matthew's Gospel one day, I was struck by Jesus's words to His disciples: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3 NIV). The word used in this verse for change means "to repent." That’s a strong word. What keeps me from becoming like a little child? In what ways do I need to repent? Then, it suddenly became clear. I need courage to become childlike. The next verse gave even more motivation. Whoever becomes simple...like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom (Matthew 18:4 MSG). If we truly want to experience the kingdom of God like children, we must have the courage to make some changes. We must dare to become simple. Becoming simple means lightening our load, which in turn, helps us navigate the daily stresses and trials that come our way. Becoming simple also helps us see more clearly when we face challenges. I’ve come to believe that in some way, becoming simple makes us brave. I can think of a lot of words to describe my life, but simple isn't one of them. We live in a busy and noisy world with to do lists and deadlines. Simple? Who can afford to be simple? I decided to do a little "research” about children on my own. I was sharing a cup of tea one afternoon with my then four-year-old granddaughter, who was feeling quite grown up as she carefully balanced the delicate cup and saucer on her lap. "Guess what Jesus tells grownups," I said to her. "We have to be like little kids if we want to know him better. Why do you suppose Jesus likes kids so much?" She just looked at me for a minute as if to say, “You should know that answer.” And then she said matter-of-factly, "Because we are so fun to play with." It was that simple. To a child, Jesus is not only God of the Universe, He is also their friend. He actually likes children. My granddaughter's natural assumption? Jesus likes her. Not because she's wise, rich, talented, or in control. He likes her just because she is who she is. And probably because she's fun to play with. In this complex world, I must repent and let go of control if I want to become simple. If I want to run my race with courage. Yes, it's simple to believe in Jesus and to trust him like a child. Simple, but certainly not easy. It takes courage to believe like a little child. Humility to admit my need for God’s strength. I have to wrestle to the ground all the doubts and fears that attack my mind. All the clutter that robs me of clarity. If I want to clearly see Jesus, I have to get back to simply believing in him. Like a child.