How does Ehud's courage in Judges 3:20 inspire your personal faith journey? Scripture spotlight “Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper chamber and said, ‘I have a message from God for you.’ And as the king rose from his seat,” (Judges 3:20) Historical context • Israel was under Moabite oppression for eighteen years. • Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, was sent to deliver Israel’s tribute to King Eglon. • His concealed dagger and solitary meeting with the king positioned him for a decisive, God-ordained act that freed the nation. Exploring Ehud’s courage • Courage grounded in God’s commission: Ehud acted because God raised him up as a deliverer (Judges 3:15). • Courage expressed through obedience: he delivered God’s “message” exactly as instructed. • Courage displayed in a private moment: the decisive stand often happens before an audience of One. • Courage that blesses others: Ehud’s boldness led to the liberation of an entire nation (Judges 3:30). Personal faith application • Identify the assignment God places before you, no matter how daunting. • Step forward in obedience, trusting that God equips and accompanies. • Cultivate faith in quiet, unseen spaces so public moments of courage flow naturally. • Remember that personal boldness can become a catalyst for communal freedom—families, churches, and communities reap the benefit when one believer stands firm. Strengthening courage with Scripture • Joshua 1:9—“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…” • 2 Timothy 1:7—“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…” • Psalm 56:3-4—“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You…” • Ephesians 6:10-11—“Be strong in the Lord… put on the full armor of God…” • Hebrews 13:6—“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…” Practical steps for today 1. Recall a clear directive from Scripture or a conviction the Spirit has impressed on you. 2. Prepare faithfully, even in obscurity, knowing God sees. 3. Move decisively at the right moment, confident that God goes before you. 4. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, encouraging others to act with similar boldness. Key takeaways • God-given courage is rooted in submission to His Word. • Bold obedience in private can lead to public deliverance. • The same Lord who empowered Ehud empowers every believer to stand firm and act fearlessly in the face of opposition. |
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