Brave

I remember studying the American Indian culture when I was a young boy and discovering what a young brave was all about. The way I remember it was when a young Indian boy was about to become a man, he went into the countryside on his own for several days and survived by living off the land. He would come back and a ceremony took place to welcome him into manhood. My apologies to the Native Americans (aka American Indians) if I misspoke about this life changing process.

To be brave is to be courageous in the face of fear. I think the longer I walk with The Lord, the less fearful I become as to what anyone can do to me. His Presence gives me great courage and confidence to trust Him.

Jonathan, King Saul’s son, was at the camp with the Israelite army. They were across the way from an enemy outpost. Jonathan gives some thought to going over to them to mix it up a bit. Evidently he had to climb down a cliff on one side and go up a cliff on the other side.

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come; let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’

7 ‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’

8 Jonathan said, ‘Come on, then; we will cross over towards them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, “Wait there until we come to you,” we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, “Come up to us,” we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.’ (1 Samuel 14:6-10 NIV)

This story reminds me of the simple act of trust in the Lord. Jonathan and his armor bearer actually start a series of events where the Israelites actually turn the tide and push back their enemies.

I need to be brave as I follow the Lord. His Presence in me makes me brave. I was reminded of this great song by Amanda Cook called: You Make Me Brave.

I stand before You now

The greatness of your renown

I have heard of the majesty and wonder of you

King of Heaven, in humility, I bow

As Your love, in wave after wave

Crashes over me, crashes over me

For You are for us

You are not against us

Champion of Heaven

You made a way for all to enter in

I have heard You calling my name

I have heard the song of love that You sing

So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore

Into Your grace

Your grace

You make me brave

You make me brave

You call me out beyond the shore into the waves

You make me brave

You make me brave

No fear can hinder now the love that made a way

© 2014 Bethel Music

Pressing On!

Dwayne