Fear With a Side of Courage

Heroes are everywhere. From military to sports to inspirational speakers to people who have lived through terrible circumstances but keep shining.

Throughout my life, I’ve had Bible heroes as many other people have. My all-time favorites include kneeling-Daniel and his fire-walking buddies—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

I love the stories of courageous-Esther, angel-talking Mary, ark-builder Noah, dreamer-Joseph, and running-David.

Then there’s Gideon (Judges 6-8). He hid out in a winepress threshing wheat so the enemies wouldn’t ravage his tribe … again.

But the angel of God came to him and called him not by his own name but rather by the name God had for him—the name that spoke of the potential God saw in Gideon. Valiant Warrior.

Can you imagine someone calling you “Valiant Warrior” while you’re fearing the shadows of evil?

Maybe his brows rose as shock morphed his face. Did he look behind himself to see who the angel was speaking to?

After a brief engagement, Gideon summoned enough courage to question why the Lord allowed so many bad things to happen if He was with them as He said.

It might have been more appropriate for him to receive the name “Fearful One” or “Fainthearted Soul.” But Valiant Warrior?

But the Lord told Gideon to get up and go in the strength he already had. Gideon made a few more “yabut” declarations. You know the ones? “Yabut, my family is too small.” “Yabut, I am too young and insignificant for such an important, monumental job.”

I have made a similar statement to the last one far too many times. Other ones have flowed from my heart like, “Yabut, I have no idea how to do that,” or “Someone else can do a better job than I can,” or “I really do not have the time or money to accomplish the task.”

Excuses rise from the shadow of fear while grasping for logic.

 

Yet the Lord assured Gideon of His continual presence and that he would, not might, but would defeat the enemy.

To know of certain victory even before the battle started would be awesome, wouldn’t it?

I am very much like Gideon. God already promised His presence and victory if I will simply obey.

Yet, at times, fear sucks any vestige of courage from my bones.

I have stood at the crossroads of decision and given God every reason I can think of as to why what He’s put on my heart will not work. Anxiety and trepidation send roots deeper into my soul.

Gideon is my hero because even in his questioning state, he knew to do the right thing … the next right thing as the saying goes.

He prepared an offering for the angel who smoked the meat to bits. Gideon used a never-before-used name for God. “Jehovah-Shalom” … The Lord is peace. (Judges 6:24)

And peace followed the action.

I can make the decision to release fear, but unless I climb out of the winepress, nothing will change.

Still unsure after the conversation with the angel, Gideon went out with a few of his men and took down the offensive altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, both of which the Lord despised.

But he did it at night so no one would see.

Dark fear mustn’t stop the light of obedience.

Though Gideon had already experienced a bit of God’s glory, fear still hovered.

I get it. I’ve seen God move huge mountains in my life, and yet, when something daunting comes before me, too often I fall back into my default of letting the voice of fear hold my attention.

But fear didn’t keep Gideon from obeying.

Courage starts a slow build after a decision.

In this story of fear, obedience, and courage, God’s Spirit came on Gideon after he set aside his human reasoning.

I wonder how many times God waits for me to trust instead of rationalizing?

Gideon took another move toward the name God gave him. He called out his followers. He stepped out and up into the leadership role.

Fear retreated and courage took its place when Gideon moved the decision into action.

Fear wasn’t gone. Its voice simply wasn’t the loudest anymore.

Engagement, surprise, peace, courage, decision, action. These are themes that played out in the life of my hero Gideon. He is my example of what can happen if I get my focus off fear and I decide to listen to who God says I am.

And the hope of victory comes into reality.

 

 

Photo Credit: Unsplash, 1. Jeremy Yap 2. Priscilla DuPreez