Judges 6:12New International Version (NIV)

¹² When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you,mighty warrior.”

The Angel of the Lord visited Gideon calling him a ‘Mighty Man of Valor’. On July 4, 1776, Fifty-Six Men of Valor signed our Declaration of Independence. We see no sign of an angel visiting these men, but we do see destiny placed on them for being willing to be used as godly men to raise a nation.

There are three distinct characteristics that raise Men of Valor like Gideon, the 56 signers of the beginning of our country, and us. It takes strength, courage, and passion.

Strength: It comes from the Greek word “Katei”. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10, “Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.” Paul says we can have the unlimited strength of Christ as the source of our strength for those who belong to him.

Courage: Courage is called “good cheer”. In Mark 6:50, when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who saw him walking on water at the Sea of Galilee as he came toward them. It literally means boldness and confidence. Courage is the opposite of fear. When God commands us to fear not, to be of good cheer, he is commanding against fear to be men of courage.

Passion: Passion is the greatest commandment God gives us. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is to love God with all our being. In order to have passion, you have to know God. Jesus continually invited his disciples to know him. When they learned to know him, they burned with passion to do his will.

Our world, our country, and our King Jesus needs men today who are called ‘Mighty Men of Valor’. Are you willing to take a living and active part?

Strength and Courage

Michael