The Courage to Stand Alone

“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified”. Romans 8:30 NIV

One thing that is common among many spiritual leaders mentioned in the Bible was their willingness to stand alone to complete the assignment each had been specifically given by God.

Noah was faithful and obedient to God in a 120 year long commitment to build an ark to God’s specifications. His patience and faith paid off and he and his family were saved by the calamity that wiped away everybody else.

Elijah was faithful and obedient to God and single handed confronted those who rejected God, no matter their station in life.  Through him God worked many miracles including defeating the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

John the Baptist like Elijah before him worked alone and was not afraid of confronting the King. He lived in the desert and remained separated from a hypocritical world and gave his full commitment to preparing for Christ.

Paul personal zeal in spreading Christianity is unmatched. After his conversion he only lived to serve Christ in spite of the persecution.

Are you willing to stand alone? Life for many of the above leaders must have been very lonely and discouraging at times. They too faced the ridicule of others. They did not have natural courage beyond what others have. What they had was the supernatural courage of knowing God, trusting him and obeying him. We can all have that. God qualifies those that he calls. Make a commitment to that assignment he has given you.

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One man with courage is a majority. Thomas Jefferson.
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