Rise Up! Lessons From Ezra On Walking With Your Head Held HighSample

Let’s look again at those powerful words Shecaniah spoke into Ezra’s life. He said, “Rise up...take courage and do it” (Ezra 10:4, NIV). 

Bravery. Heroism. Fearlessness. The spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear. That is courage. 

The day before Women’s Day in March of 2017, a four-foot tall, bronze, 250 pound little girl found a home on Wall Street in New York City. The Fearless Girl statue created by Kristen Visbal stood feet planted, hands on hips, chin up, staring down the famous bronze bull of Wall Street. The courage and bravery encapsulated in that little girl compelled thousands of people to stand alongside her with their feet planted, hands on hips, chin up for countless photo ops for numerous Instagram accounts. 

To be courageous, you need to strike the same pose as the Fearless Girl. First, set your stance. Plant your feet on God’s power and rest your hands on God’s provision. There is nothing we could do in our own strength that would infuse us with the courage we need. It is in God’s power and His provision that we can find our brave. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Stand firm. Don’t be moved. Set your stance. 

When assuming that fearless pose, you also need to raise your chin and lift your eyes as you fix your focus on God. Lift your focus above your circumstances and insecurities to the One who holds your situation and is more than capable. Where does your help come from? The Bible makes it crystal clear: 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV). 

Lift your eyes to the Lord. He will open your eyes to your calling. He will help you see your potential. He will fill your sight with His glory. Then, you will find your courage.