Courageous Faith
What does David, Joshua, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have in common? They all had courageous faith. They put their trust in God despite the difficulties and challenges they faced. like these men, we also must also put our trust and faith in God to face every battle that comes in our life and music ministry.
1. Courageous Faith Obeys God
“But even if he does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18, NIV). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unwilling to compromise their faith because of their commitment and obedience to the living God. Coming from a Hebrew background, they knew quite well that the commandments forbid the worship of any other God. They would rather be thrown into a fiery furnace than to bow before an idol. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” (Exodus 20:3-5, NIV). Even though they knew God could save them, their unshakable faith was stronger than the flames that stood in their way if He didn't. They knew that the reward of their obedience was far much greater than any amount of years they would live seeking the approval of men. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach us that courageous faith is about being obedient to God despite the consequences that may come as a result.
2. Courageous Faith Places Trust In God
“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’” (1 Samuel 17:45, NIV). Before Goliath, David killed a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. Because God gave him the victory before, David knew He would do it again. Before the presence of God, the army of Israel, and the Philistines, David picked up his slingshot declaring openly that his strength came from the living God. David teaches us that courageous faith is not cowardly because it knows that God is for those who trust in Him.
3. Courageous Faith Believes the Word of God
“When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so, everyone charged straight in, and they took the city” (Joshua 6:20, NIV). Courageous faith believes the word of God despite the barriers that stand in the way. Joshua became the leader of Israel after Moses died. He was commanded by God to lead the people through different battles before entering into the promise land. Joshua was instructed to march around the walls of Jericho with the Israelites blowing trumpets in obedience to the instruction that were given. On the 7th day, they marched around the city walls seven times and blew their trumpets bringing down the walls. Like Joshua, we also must believe the word of God when facing the battles of life that keep us from our destiny.
Video Lecture: Courageous Faith
Jonathan Michelsen, M.A., B.S.