Micaiah Man's Up

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 18

The last two days I wrote about Micaiah and the circumstances into which he was called to speak on behalf of God. While it would have been easy to see how he could have folded and compromised and just went along with what the other prophets had said, Micaiah spoke the hard truth to the two kings. He, to use modern vernacular, “manned up.” How did he do it?

Courage is recognizing rational fears and acting nobly despite them. It is the ability to do what you might be frightened to do. Aristotle called it the most important virtue because you can’t practice or live out the other virtues unless you have courage. Truth, love, honor, dignity…these all require courage. Daniel had to have the courage to open his windows and pray. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to have the courage to stand when everyone else knelt. Peter and John had to have the courage to tell the High Council that they would obey God and not man. Most of all, Jesus had to have the courage to give Himself to death on the Cross. Christianity was birthed in courage and has always been advanced by men and women with courage.

What gives courage to a guy like Micaiah? Can we be courageous when the time comes? Here are some biblical principles to help you man up:

·       Keep a clean conscious – “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)  There is something about a guilt-laden soul that binds the heart in fear. Being forgiven and pursuing righteousness sets one free to be bold.

·       Trust God -  “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady, he will not be afraid…” (Psalm112:7,8) Faith is the victory.

·       Pray – “Ask and you shall receive.” You don’t have to be born with courage. God can make you bold.

·       Rely on Christ’s promise to be with you – “Lo, I am with you always.”

·       Be filled with the Spirit – The Holy Spirit can and will give you the boldness you need when you need it when He fills your life.

Be courageous and you will inspire others to follow you.