Some friends and I are enjoying watching Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien’s epic drama, you will find complex and deep characters. Each are a mix of good and bad, noble intentions and moments of weakness (ok – maybe not Sam, but I’m partial to him!) We get caught up in the adventure and become inspired by the outcome. I enjoy good fiction, especially when infused with Truth.
But stories of real people can inspire in a different, maybe more powerful way. Accounts of real people, ordinary people, doing extraordinary things nudge me out of my comfort zone to embrace all God has for me. Take for example:
Anna, the prophetess at the Temple. She prayed over baby Jesus, giving thanks - an extraordinary moment. But what is striking to me is that for 8 decades she had been at the temple daily. Daily, that’s every day without fanfare, or ministry growth, recognition, or maybe even assistance. Just being faithful daily. Eighty years. What goes through your mind as you pass through your sixties, your seventies? We are conditioned to look for a grand purpose or far-reaching ministry, something to gain significance. But God saw her faithfulness and now generations of believers know her story. I want to be faithful daily, even if my only audience is God.
Stephen, the young martyr in Acts. He had a public ministry and was known for his wisdom and miraculous signs among the people. Filled with the Spirit, he courageously faced death. In that moment of crisis, of intense pain and suffering, he looked to God. I hope my default, my first instinct in a moment of crisis, is to trust God.
The midwives in Exodus. These courageous women feared God more than man. They chose to risk the wrath and potential consequences of disobeying their powerful ruler in order to keep the Israelite babies from being killed. I want to live with the conviction of what is right and the courage to act on it.
These are a few of my Biblical heroes and why I’m inspired. I’d love to hear about yours.
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