Strength Through Courage

The sound of thundering hooves and clanging chariots was faint at first. Could it be? Please God, don’t let it be what I think. The sounds grew louder and louder as the army got closer and closer. Noooo! We’ve come too far. I don’t want to die like this in the wilderness. Such anger, conviction, and evil revenge were on the faces of the Egyptian soldiers as they approached the encampment of former slaves. Voices could be heard; swords could be seen waving in the air. You could practically smell the fear. I knew this was too easy. There is no way out. God Almighty!

As I consider the thoughts of the Israelites beside the Red Sea, pushed to its brink by Pharaoh’s Egyptian army, this is some of the panicked commentary I imagine. Although the people were afraid, their fear soon turned to courage.

Isn’t it interesting how fear seems to precede courage? Could you go so far as to say that courage cannot be found with some element of fear? After courage, depending upon the person, strength erupts. It tends to gain momentum.

We know the rest of the story for the Israelite refugees. Moses picks up his staff and raises his hand over the sea. A strong east wind begins to blow. It blows all night and turns the seabed into dry land, allowing the Israelites to walk across it with a wall of water on each side. Having crossed to the other side, the Egyptians arrogantly think, “We’ll do that, too. No problem.” But, of course, they didn’t. The Lord twisted the chariot wheels and caused confusion. The walls of water came crashing down, drowning all.

The people of Israel saw the mighty power of God and were filled with awe. They sang a song of victory to the Lord. Their courage was at an all-time high. And why not? Their God was greater than the sea and an army of top-notch soldiers.

Another example that comes to mind is Samson, a biblical superhero with extreme strength. He once snapped a lion’s jaw with his bare hands as if it were nothing and killed an entire army with a donkey jawbone. After his girlfriend repeatedly deceived him and robbed him of his superhuman powers, Samson fell victim to his enemy, the Philistines. When he was taken into their temple to be mocked after they gouged out his eyes, he mustered up the courage to pray for strength. God granted him renewed strength to break apart the support pillars, causing the temple to collapse.

A Modern-Day Version

A modern-day example of strength through courage has recently emerged: Erika Kirk. Some might think she should be at home grieving for the loss of her husband, Charlie, who was brutally assassinated in front of a massive audience in broad daylight. But that’s not Erika’s way. This beautiful woman has risen with graceful courage to follow in the footsteps of her husband, who founded an organization advocating for conservative politics. Her courage has generated a strength that epitomizes the American spirit to never surrender.

I would also like to mention Joni Eareckson Tada. Her strength through courage is manifested daily in her suffering and pain resulting from a diving accident. Tada has won numerous awards and established the ministry of Joni and Friends, providing retreat experiences for families affected by disability. This incredible woman is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities worldwide. She collects wheelchairs for those in developing nations. She has authored 48 books, is a fabulous painter (using her teeth), and is an amazing radio personality, speaker, and singer.   

A Rational Conclusion

So what is the secret behind turning fear into courage that builds a tower of strength? I see it in people every day – Beth Stavinoha in Dallas, Texas; Kelley Wassermann in Sylacauga, Alabama; April Wozniak in Bradenton, Florida; Kathy Milburn in Clarkesville, Georgia. As with all things, we can find the answer in the Living Word. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him – my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Exodus 15:2)

The Lord holds the key. He is our strength. He is the One who instills courage.

While in the midst of a crisis, we should follow the advice of Moses to the Israelites. He said to “stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Good advice.

After the crisis has passed, however, we must get moving. The Lord told Moses to tell the Israelites. “Tell the people to get moving!” Once again, wise words.

We can surmise, then, that there is a time to stand still and a time to get moving when it comes to strength through courage. The Lord has given us victory.