I Samuel 17:52
“Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines.”
Ten minutes earlier, the Israelites were frozen in fear. Now they are the pursuing army. This new confidence is the result of David's leadership. He responded to Goliath's challenge when all were too afraid. His confidence and faith were rewarded. The people joined him in the battle.
Leadership isn't afraid to act alone. David saw the shame Goliath was brazengly heaping on Israel. I'm not sure if he was confident he would win or if he was willing to sacrifice himself for a principle. Whatever the case, it was brave of him to take this stand.
As we walk with Christ, we are confronted with all sorts of circumstances. If the Bible is clear on a matter, that is how we are to act. Sometimes the Bible's stance on a matter is different than our culture's. We are to respond as Peter did in Acts 5:29, "We are to obey God rather than men". This takes courage, articularly if it's a hot topic.
Other times the options might not be as clear. However, the Lord may be impressing on us to take a stand. This takes courage as well. But this is leadership. This may have been David's situation. It was rewarded and all the warriors followed him.
While this was an actual battle, to make decisions to act is often a battle within our hearts. We might sense the pressure on us before the time to choose is upon us. We may anticipate angry responses. It's tough.
I'm reminded of the movie Chariots of Fire where Eric Liddel earned a spot on the olympic team. His race was on Sunday, but he was conflicted as he lived in an era when activities on the Sabbath were seen as wrong. So, he told the leaders that he wouldn't run. They attempted to persuade him, but wouldn't change. Another runner swapped races with him. This was the resolution.
The movie has an insightful dialogue. One official said, "I thought the lad had us beaten". The other said that "He had and thank God he did." "I don't understand". "The lad is a true man of principle. His running is a mere extension of himself. We sought to sever him from his running." The other said, "For his country's sake." "Nothing is worth that. Let alone a guilty national pride." The other official didn't seem to have a clue about the entire matter.
Eric had natural talent as do all olympians. But he had an extraordinary drive. This came from from his faith. He pushed himself more and dug deeper because of his convictions. Most of us aren't athletes or are no longer due to age. However, we will still find ourselves in situations in which we have to make decisions that are difficult.
God helps us in many ways. He gives us comfort as we obey Him. Romans 8:16 says, "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." His presence is felt and is satisfying at our core. We aren't alone. He's right there with us. His presence gives us confidence.
He rewards us for our stands. Sometimes it's with victory. Sometimes others follow us. Those are sweet times. However, even if we don't win and others don't follow, the Lord is pleased. He gives us satisfaction and maintains His presence. His presence is reward enough.
The beginning may seem difficult. An angel appeared to Gideon and said, "Hail mighty warrior". His response was, "O Lord, how am I to save Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house", (Judges 6:15). He didn't feel the courage. Quite the opposite. He saw himself as the lowest. This was some time before the actual battle.
The Lord will build courage within us. David had several encounters which built his confidence. This was the beginning of Gideon's lessons. He will build what's needed in us.
Lord, thank You for being there with us. Thank You for making the tough decisions tolerable. Thank You for equipping us for our leadership challenges.