Devotionals

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GO IN THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE


This article contains several pertinent quotes from William Sykes’ The Eternal Vision, along with a Scriptural introduction, brief running commentary, and closing summation. It is intended for devotional purposes.
The angel of the Lord greeted Gideon, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judg. 5:12). Apparently not in terms of anything he had done up to that time, but in anticipation of what would come to pass. In any case, Gideon was unconvinced. Whereupon, the angel enjoined him: “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.”
Apt quotations from Scripture:
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and courageous (repeated by way of emphasis)” (Josh. 1:6-7). This is coupled with an admonition to obey all that was set forth in the covenant.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage. Do everything in love” (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Consequently, to embrace a compassionate courage.
Related quotations from other sources:
“Courage is the basic virtue for everyone so long as he continues to grow, to move ahead” (Rollo May, Man’s Search For Himself). Spiritual maturity must be the goal if one is to benefit from courageous behavior.
“The courage we desire and prize is not the courage to die decently, but to live manfully” (Thomas Carlyle, Boswell’s Life of Johnson). Life is good, providing we live according to God’s benevolent design. Otherwise, it tends to unravel.
“Courage is sustained, not only by prayer, but by calling up anew the vision of the goal” (A. D. Sertillanges, The Intellectual Life). While prayer sustains courage, we are less driven by the past than drawn by the future.
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down, and listen” (anonymous). Speaking from experience, it takes courage to enter into dialogue with those of differing convictions.
“The most precious thing about Jesus is the fact that he is not the great discourager, but the great encourager” (William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew). Of similar intent, C. S. Lewis observed that God is more inclined to employ carrots than clubs.
“Courage is required not only in a person’s occasional decision for his own freedom, but in the little hour-to-hour decisions which place the bricks in the structure of his building of himself into a person who acts with freedom and responsibility” (Rollo May, Man’s Search For Himself). Courage is something we cultivate as a way of life, even though challenged on occasion.
“We must accept our existence as far as it is possible; everything, even the unheard of, must be possible there. That is fundamentally the only courage demanded of us; to be brave in the face of the strangest, most singular and most inexplicable things that befall us” (Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet). When no longer within our comfort zone, and intimidated by an alien environ.
“Strange is the vigor of a brave man’s soul. The strength of his spirit and his irresistible power, the greatness of his heart and the height of his condition, his mighty confidence and contempt of danger, his true security and repose in himself, his liberty to dare and do what he pleases, his alacrity in the midst of fears, his invincible temper, are advantages which make him master of fortune. His courage fits him for all attempts, renders him serviceable to God and men” (Thomas Traherne, The Way to Blessedness). Created in the image of God, the human potential no doubt surpasses our comprehension.
All things considered, two exhortations seem in order. Initially, expect great things from God. Secondly, undertake great things in his name. Accordingly, go in the strength you have.

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