How to Be a Hero

 "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

    If you have a cursory knowledge of the scriptures, you will have heard of such biblical heroes as David, Moses and Paul, but have you ever heard of Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite? If you haven't, you're in good company because I had no familiarity with him either. Yet, his heroic tale, found in just two Old Testament verses, resonated with me. 

    In the second book of Samuel, three of King David's mighty warriors are mentioned, but this blurb about Shammah leapt off the page:

    "Next to him was Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory." (2 Samuel 23: 11, 12)

    The Christian walk can seem like a stroll in the park when opposition is at low tide and the faith of others buoys us, but "when other helpers fail and comforts flee," as the hymn goes, will we flee as well or will we stand our ground in the armor of God? 

    Taking a stand requires courage, but we are never called to do so in our own strength. Notice who brought about the great victory against the bullies in Shammah's world? The Lord did! 

    In our "field of lentils" - whether that be on the job or at the grocery store or on social media - how can we stand firm in our faith? Here are a few ideas:

• Incorporate God into our daily conversations
• Include scripture in our everyday correspondence
• Show our support of other believers who have stood against opposition
• Lovingly correct theological errors when detected
• Message someone and ask if they have a prayer request
• Become involved in our community, shining the Gospel light

    I'm pretty sure this guy, Shammah, had no idea when he woke up that morning that his courage would be called into action in a lentil field, but see how his name has gone down in history? Most days, I feel like I'm nobody special. I've no outstanding degree nor any stupendous talent that would cause anyone to look twice, but when I allow my omnipotent God to flex His strength through me, that is when I have the chance to do something heroic in His kingdom.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6: 10, 11