Apicontent

There is strength in getting alone with God. Time with the Lord increases our courage. Jesus knew this full well. The Bible tells us He “withdrew often” to be alone with the Father. How much more should we?

There’s no more important task on earth than seeking God. When trouble hits, I’ve learned to go into my room, shut the door, and seek God through His Word and prayer.

Sometimes God may close doors in our life so that we have the time and space we need to draw close to Him. We get alone to shut God in, and to shut other things—like distractions and discouragement—out.

Think about it. Some of God’s greatest miracles have happened behind closed doors: A man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come to his house. His only daughter, a girl of about twelve, lay dying. While Jesus was still speaking to the group, Jairus received word that his daughter had died. Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:41-50 NIV). When Jesus arrived at the house of Jairus, He did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s mother and father” (Luke 8:51).

In other words, Jesus shut the door. He shut some things in. And he shut others out. Then Jesus took the little girl by the hand and said to her, “My child, get up!” (v. 54). Her “spirit returned,” and at once she stood up, fully revived.

We see another shut door in 2 Kings 4:18-37. A young boy suddenly died and his mother ran to the prophet Elisha for help. When the prophet returned, he found the boy dead on the couch. Elisha shut the door. The prophet prayed fervently, and the boy was restored to life. Yet another miracle behind closed doors!

So when you are worried, or weary, when you need fresh courage, that may be the time to strengthen yourself in the Lord. Remember to go to your room and shut the door to be alone with God.

For reflection: God has asked that we be quiet for a while, go to our rooms and shut the door. But take heart. Some of God’s greatest miracles occur behind closed doors.

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

God loves us when we are weak, but He delights in making us strong. The Bible is filled with stories of how God empowers broken men and women to conquer their enemies, pull down strongholds, move mountains, and accomplish His work on earth.

Gideon sure felt less than courageous. He referred to himself as the “least” in a family whose clan was the “weakest” in his tribe. But God sent an angel who greeted the tired and broken man with these encouraging words: “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12 ESV). It took a little persuading, but God gave amazing strength and courage to this unlikely hero who defeated enemy armies and returned Israel to her former glory.

“The angel of the Lord” is a term reserved for a very special kind of messenger. Most scholars believe “the angel of the Lord” describes an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. Read a little further. You’ll notice that instead of “the angel of the Lord,” this visitor is actually referred to as the Lord Himself: The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” (Judges 6:11-14).

This was a defining moment for Gideon. He asked for a sign to see if this was really the Lord. He made an offering of meat and meal which the Lord touched with his staff. The offering burst into flames, so Gideon knew it was the Lord. He was terrified, certain he would die because he had seen the Lord. But God assured Gideon he would not die. So he built an altar to the Lord and called it, “The Lord is Peace” (Judges 6:24).

God then asked Gideon to do a very hard thing. He told him to tear down the altar to the rival god Baal at his father Joash’s home. Gideon took ten servants and did as the Lord had told him. “But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night” (Judges 6:28).

“Who could have done such a thing?” the men of the town asked the next day. They discovered it was Gideon. So they went to Joash and said, “Your son Gideon knocked over Baal’s altar… Hand him over, so we can kill him!” Gideon’s father replied, “Are you trying to take revenge for Baal? If you are, you will be the ones who are put to death. If Baal really is a god, let him take his own revenge on someone who tears down his altar.”

That same day, his father changed Gideon’s name to Jerubbaal, explaining, “He tore down Baal’s altar, so let Baal take revenge himself.” (Judges 6: 30-32 CEB). This marked the beginning of Gideon as a leader of Israel against her enemies. He is listed among the great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, a chapter many call the Hall of Fame of Faith:

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies (Hebrews 11:32-34 NIV).

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

We’ve been exploring practical ways to increase our courage in the Lord. 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 30:6 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).

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.

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Who can find a woman of valor? (Proverbs 31:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible).

The dictionary defines valor as “courage and bravery in the face of danger.” But the Hebrew word for valor, chayil, is much more vibrant, 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 life for the Proverbs 31 woman would not have been easy. She likely faced marauding thieves, extreme heat, cold, and all manner of pestilence. 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. It makes me wonder why we lost sight of the woman of valor in the first place.

From the beginning, 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 attack the woman, you can destroy 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.”

I hope you’ll agree. It’s time to reclaim the woman of valor.

Adapted from: Marilynn Chadwick, Woman of Valor: Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017).

Sometimes God provides a deep spiritual lesson we least expect it. 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? It suddenly became clear. I need courage to dare 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 like children, we must have the courage to make changes. We must 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 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” of 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 they 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, or rich, talented, or in control. He likes her just because she’s 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 endurance. 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. 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.

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25).

One of the things I love most about my husband David is the way he would always encourage our children to laugh at the very things they were afraid of. He referred to their fears as “fret flies.”

When our daughter Bethany was very young, David challenged her to conquer her fear of riding Ferris wheels. The anticipation of the thrill of riding a Ferris wheel finally helped her muster the courage to step out and take a risk. With Daddy cheering her on, she was overjoyed to finally defeat another “fret fly!”

I’m glad David is not a worrier. But that doesn’t mean he’s unaware of danger. He just doesn’t overthink imaginary scenarios. What’s more, he doesn’t spend needless energy looking back at the “if onlys” or ahead to the “what ifs” of life.

Like any pastor, he’s had to deal with all kinds of tragedies and emergencies throughout our years of ministry. But I’ve seen firsthand how his faith has strengthened him. I’ve often told him that the greatest gift he has to give others is his faith. And sometimes his laughter!

David is right. It is incredibly liberating to laugh in the face of fear. Laughter is a healthy way to lighten up. I wonder if the secret is to have such strong faith in the Lord that we can laugh at our fears. We may discover greater joy and courage than we ever thought possible when we conquer our fret flies!

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Courage comes in all kinds of packages. Perhaps you’re in the military. Or you’re a first responder. Or a caregiver holding the hands of the dying. Or you’re faithfully caring for your children—pouring life into the next generation. People show courage in many different ways.

But do you ever feel like you’re not strong enough or brave enough? If so, you’re in good company. Some of God’s bravest men and women started their journey in weakness. But God’s power transformed them into mighty men and women of valor.

Take Gideon. He was the youngest in his family and from the weakest tribe in Israel. His people had wandered into darkness and evil, so God handed them over to their enemies, the Midianites, for seven years.

In desperation, they finally turned to God. “But Israel grew weak and cried out to the Lord” (Judges 6:11 CEB). So the Lord sent His messenger to Gideon: “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). To which Gideon said something like, “Who me? I’m just a scared nobody.”

“Mighty man of valor” was a term reserved for warriors. Heroes. Champions. Not a frightened young man from a beaten-down nation.

But God saw something special in Gideon and said: “You have strength, so go and rescue Israel from the power of Midian. Am I not personally sending you?” “Because I’m with you, you’ll defeat the Midianites as if they were just one person” (Judges 6:14-16 CEB).

And that’s just what happened. Gideon stepped out in faith to save his nation. He became a new man in the process—a mighty man of valor.

Have your problems have left you feeling defeated? Perhaps you struggle with fear like Gideon. God is whispering to you at this moment: “The Lord is with you mighty warrior, man or woman of valor. And because I am with you, you will have strength and courage to prevail!”

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

I agree with Indiana Jones: “I hate snakes!” Maybe some of you share my distaste these slithery reptiles.

A while back when cleaning our garage, our son found a small copperhead hiding behind a box. My first response was “Yikes! Go hide!” My next thought was, “Go get ‘em!”

I grabbed the nearest gardening tool, went after that snake with a warrior-like vengeance, and sent him into the next life! Why? Because he was in my garage…near my kitchen door…a threat to my home and family! Though I’m scared of snakes, my love for my family made me brave.

Maybe you can relate. Is there a time when you did something that scared you to protect someone you loved? You were showing courage, or what the Bible often refers to as valor.

I’m captivated by the Hebrew word for valor, Chayil. In the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation, chayil is used to describe the famed Proverbs 31 woman. “Who can find a woman of valor?” (Proverbs 31:10 OJB). Clearly, she was part nurturer and part warrior.

Chayil is used to describe David’s mighty men of valor. Also a reluctant hero named Gideon. Simply put, “valor,” or chayil, is personal bravery in the face of danger—especially courage in battle. In its nearly 100 uses in the Old Testament, chayil most often depicts warriors.

I believe we need to become courageous men and women of valor as we face today’s battles: Addiction, divorce, poverty, injustice, domestic violence, child abuse, abortion, poverty, unemployment, pornography, human trafficking, joblessness, homelessness, racism, persecution, terrorism. I’m sure you could add to this list.

As I listen to conversations with men and women of all ages, stages, and walks of life, I’m hearing a recurring theme —their heart’s desire to be strong for their families and communities. In short, they long to be courageous so God can use them change the world.

Is God calling you to have more courage? Remember, it’s love that makes you brave.

[by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]