This is the first message in Journey Church’s Life of Valor series
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“Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood.” -George S. Patton
- While war is a horrible event General Patton recognized that in the face of battle men had a sense of duty that made them rise to the occasion and overcome their fears.
- We can face any battle with God on our side
1 Samuel 17:43–46 (ESV)
And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down…
- David boldly proclaimed that with God on his side he would defeat the enemy
Psalm 27: 1-3 (ESV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident
- With God on our side we have nothing to worry about.
- God has a Battle plan for each of us
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
- Often we go into battle unprepared relying on our own abilities and God has to reach in and rescue us.
Check out this Navy SEAL in training. I don’t know if he made it as a SEAL or not but you have to give the guy credit for having guts enough to jump in the water with full gear and not know how to swim.
Mathew 14: 25-31 (ESV)
And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
- We need to have faith in God throughout the battle
Truth: As men and followers of Jesus we are called to lead and influence those around us. You can choose to live a life of courage or succumb to a life of fear. A godly leader must know how to follow his leader, fight fear and have the courage to lead, knowing that God has his back. Whenever we follow God, He always has our back.
Bottom Line: Have the courage to lead by being ready to follow. God has your back.
