On May 5, 1945, Desmond Doss acted with courage and bravery atop Hacksaw Ridge. He was a US medic at the Battle of Okinawa. The US military were trying to take the top of Hacksaw Ridge from the Japanese. After some fierce fighting, the Japanese laid in wait until all of the American climbed a high cliff before they ambushed them. Many soldiers were wounded and killed in the onslaught. The US military leaders called retreat, but Desmond couldn’t leave the wounded up there alone. In an act of bravery and heroism, he stayed atop the ridge and rescued men, one by one. He treated them and then lowered them down the cliff all night long while under the threat of being attacked and killed. He saved 75 men that day because through an incredible act of bravery and determination to not leave them in the hands of the enemy.
In 1 Samuel 17, we read that the Philistines had encamped on Israel’s land. Their champion was a giant who came out and defied the armies of Israel, challenging them to fight him. Each man, including the king, was afraid of him. For forty days this giant terrorized the army causing them to panic and run away from the battle. That’s when young David arrived at the battlefield. He saw the same giant and heard the same threats, but instead of being afraid, something rose within him. In an act of bravery, he went out to face the giant alone without a sword or armor. His faith was his courage, his trust in God gave him bravery to stand up to the threats and taunts of the enemy. On that day, the enemy was defeated by a boy who had trusted in God and was brave enough to stand up to the giant of an enemy.
Philippians 1:28 says, “Don’t be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory” (GNT). I don’t know what enemy you’re facing today or where it’s standing in your way, but God has called you to possess the land and advance. There are souls to be won. Just like God told Joshua, He’s telling you to be brave and courageous. God gives us the victory when we stand up to the enemy who roams around like a roaring lion. It’s not an easy thing to do, and often it feels like you’re alone, but God is with you. It’s time to quit being afraid of the enemy’s taunts and lies. It’s time to challenge him the way David did Goliath. Be brave and courageous. Let today be the end of the giant standing on your territory.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 