Courage in the Life of a BelieverSample

Courage to run and leap

For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. (Psalm 18:29)

David was a man of courage. While the whole army of Israel fled from Goliath in great fear whenever the Philistine champion showed up, David decided to fight him. When king Saul tried to stop David, the young shepherd said he trusted in the help of the Lord, who had delivered him from the paw of the bear and the lion (1 Samuel 17:37).

David knew that his courage was not based on his own strength. It was anchored in God’s help. But how could David be so sure of God’s care for him? Did he never face any difficulties and challenges?

Anyone who is familiar with David’s life knows that he went through a lot of hardship. He was persecuted by Saul, lost his best friend Jonathan and was betrayed by his own son Absalom. David wrote Psalm 18 when he was on the run from Saul.

David was absolutely sure of one thing - God heard him (Psalm 18:6). When he called out in distress, God moved heaven and earth to help him. God did so because He loved David. It is exactly the same love as described in John 3:16 — God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to save it. This love gave David the courage to run and leap!

How can God’s love for you help you today to do a difficult thing?