I have long been struck by a statement made to Ben-hadad (king of Syria) after he — being joined by thirty-two other kings with him (1 Kings 20:1) — had told Ahab (king of Israel) what he was going to do to Samaria. (1 Kings 20:2-10) When messengers brought back word the second time to Ben-hadad, we read. . .
“(10) Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” (11) And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’ ” (12) When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city.” (1 Kings 20:10-12 ESV)
With great confidence Ben-hadad had his men take their positions to stand against Ahab. With courageous confidence in himself and the forces with him, he had determined the end of the battle before it began. However, King Ahab was encouraged by a prophet from the Lord that he would receive the victory (1 Kings 20:13-15), and Ben-hadad suffered a humiliating defeat. (1 Kings 20:16-30) God brought victory for Israel in spite of the great contrast in numbers. (compare 1 Kings 20:15 and 29-30) Ben-hadad’s self-confident boast courageously brought him into a position of defeat!
On what or whom does our courageous confidence rest? Is it with self; our own abilities, resources, and wisdom? As we size up life’s battles, where do our eyes turn to maintain a will for pressing on?
It has been said, “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” (Mary Anne Radmacher)
It is not in the loud boast of our own power and strength, but in looking to God that we can find the courage to not give up as we continue trying our best to continue moving forward in life. Assured of the victory that He brings us in Christ (Romans 8:35-39), let us have the courage to move forward with each new day God provides.
As Paul urged Christians at Corinth to consider their position, we read. . .
“(26) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. (27) But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; (28) God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, (29) so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (30) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, (31) so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV)
Yes, there is where our courageous confidence can rest. Even Paul humbly exemplified this position as he boasted in his weaknesses as therein the power of Christ was revealed in strengthening him to endure and press on. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Without fanfare and lofty language, Paul simply lived each day as a servant of the Lord, trusting Him to bring him through the challenges of life toward the ultimate victory of the upward call in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) With our eyes on God, may we continue mustering the courage to press onward and upward in the Lord!
Have a great day ENCOURAGED WE CAN BE MORE THAN CONQUERORS IN CHRIST!
Carl
