What was it like to be a police officer at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001? Jessie, the protagonist teenager of the novel, Project Superhero, wanted to know.
As she listened to the guest speaker in class, New York City policeman Mike Bruen, share his experience, she found out: “Mike said it was total mayhem with dust everywhere and people going every which way. [But] the police and fire service people weren’t just going every which way. They were all going to the World Trade Center . . . Today I learned something important about heroes from Sgt. Mike Bruen. Real heroes run towards—not away from—danger.”
How do people like police officers, firefighters, and soldiers overcome their instinct of self-preservation and rush toward life-threatening situations? Where do they get the courage?
We can point to the fact that they went into their professions knowing in advance what it might cost them. They also received training about how to respond with a clear head and a commitment to their duties.
We can admire such men and women but can we duplicate their efforts? By giving us examples of counterintuitive courage, the Bible shows us that we can emulate these role models.
David’s Battle
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’ 48As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.” – 1 Samuel 17:45-48
Cowed by the Philistine army and its chief warrior, Goliath of Gath, the Israelites refused to fight. But with great faith in God, the shepherd boy David believed that the Lord would give him victory over Goliath and the Israelites conquest over the Philistines. So confident was the young man that he ran to the conflict. No hesitation in David!
Knowing God’s character and power inspires us to act with decisiveness and boldness. The better we know our God, the more we can face dangers without flinching.
Paul’s Mission
“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” – Acts 14:1-3
On their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles, people who knew the Scriptures and those who had no clue about the God of heaven and earth. The apostles declared that Jesus died to save everyone, regardless of his or her ethnicity or religious background. For many Gentiles, this was remarkable news. But for the Jewish people who took pride in distinguishing themselves from pagans, this message of the Messiah dying on the cross to atone for the sins of the world was too much, and they fought it.
Because of this hostility, Paul and Barnabas stayed in the city and served the residents. Not in spite of the opposition; because of it.
That’s hard to understand, but the attitude and actions of Paul and Barnabas reveal something to us. Sometimes, trouble means you’re on the right path. They won many to Christ, so when persecution arrived, the apostles didn’t want to abandon the new believers. The apostles stayed to train them.
When you see the value of other people, you’ll find the courage to sacrifice for them. And the problems that assail you will only serve to motivate you to stick to your commitment.
The Philippians’ Witness
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” – Philippians 1:12-14
Paul had been arrested and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. This must have been quite difficult for a man who was accustomed to traveling wherever he believed the Lord was giving him an opportunity. Paul took advantage of the fine roads the Romans built throughout the empire and he journeyed everywhere he could to announce that Jesus was Lord.
His dedication to the message of Jesus as the Christ cost him his freedom. Yet Paul’s incarceration emboldened the Christians in the city of Philippi to evangelize. Shouldn’t his chains have made them cautious? Less likely to spread the gospel? After all, the plight of Paul displayed the risk they were taking.
Gospel logic differs from common sense and natural reactions.
In nature, pain warns us of danger. Touch a hot pan and you’ll pull away quickly.
In the spirit, pain can indicate progress. Keep going, press in.
What price have Christians you admire paid for serving the Lord? Does it intimidate you to retreat or inspire you to move ahead? Whatever trouble you may suffer for the sake of the gospel, be bold and run to it. Pay the price.
In the midst of your trials, God will confirm the wisdom of your decision to exalt Jesus. And He will reward you.
Don’t hide from the danger; run toward it.
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