Courage: From Battlefields of the Bible to Today

By Michael E. Wheelon, Revelation Watchers Contributor

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Courage: A Timeless Virtue in the Face of Adversity

Courage is a quality that transcends time, context, and belief systems. Throughout history, individuals have demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of adversity. Today, I want to explore the courage displayed by a couple of heroes on battlefields and draw parallels with biblical figures who faced daunting challenges. Then, I will apply these principles to the challenges we're facing today. 

Sgt. Alvin C. York, an American soldier during World War I, exemplified extraordinary courage. Despite being a conscientious objector due to his religious convictions, York's transformation from a hell-raiser to a devout Christian shaped his character. His actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive earned him the Medal of Honor, and he emerged as one of the most decorated United States Army soldiers during World War I. His courageous actions unfolded during the Meuse–Argonne offensive in France—an intense battle aimed at breaching the formidable Hindenburg Line and compelling the Germans to surrender. On October 8, 1918, York led a small detachment of American soldiers in the treacherous terrain of the Argonne Forest. Their encounter with a heavily fortified German machine gun nest posed a grave threat. Undeterred, York charged forward, eliminating at least 25 enemy soldiers and capturing an astounding 132 prisoners. His audacity disrupted the German defenses, allowing the American forces to advance. York's valor extended beyond U.S. recognition; he received decorations from several allied countries. His legacy is a timeless reminder that courage transcends fear and inspires others even in the darkest hours of conflict.

On June 6, 1944, D-Day marked the largest naval, air, and land operation in history during World War II. Allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy, occupied by Nazi Germany. The soldiers who stormed those heavily fortified beaches displayed immense bravery. Despite the human cost—around 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives—D-Day became the beginning of the end of World War II. D-Day reminds us that courage involves facing overwhelming odds for a more significant cause.

Iwo Jima, a volcanic island, witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history during World War II. Approximately 70,000 Marines endured intense fighting against entrenched Japanese forces. Twenty-seven service members received the Medal of Honor for their bravery, the highest number ever awarded for a single battle in U.S. history. The Marines' courage on Iwo Jima teaches us that valor often involves sustained endurance and sacrifice.

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Biblical Heroes: David's Courage and Legacy and Jesus' Sacrificial Love

Now, let's look at two accounts from the Bible. The young David facing the giant Goliath resonates with courage. With a sling and five smooth stones, David declared that he came in the name of the Lord Almighty. Despite overwhelming odds, he defeated Goliath. David's story teaches us that courage relies on trust in God's strength. Later in life, as king, David unified Judah and Israel under a united monarchy, further exemplifying his courage and leadership. His legacy inspires generations, and his Psalms remain a source of comfort and worship. 

Finally,  Let's look at the bravery and courage of our Lord Jesus Christ, infinitely powerful, who chose to endure the crucifixion despite having the power to stop it. That thought in itself grips my innermost soul.  Christ, the Commander of the Host, could have called upon Legions  (A legion is about 6,000 troops in the day) of Angelic warriors to come to His aid. 

Yet, having that power and authority, He chose to remain on the cross. Unlike others who suffer without control, Jesus willingly bore our sins and suffered for us. His sacrifice was necessary for our salvation, and He bravely endured it to fulfill God's plan. Jesus exemplifies courage as the ultimate act of selflessness and love. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of profound significance and intense emotions. In this moment, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary bravery. Fully aware of the impending suffering, betrayal, and crucifixion, He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, NIV). Despite overwhelming sorrow, Jesus surrendered to God's will. His anticipation of the suffering extended beyond that night; throughout all eternity, He knew He would face a cruel and humiliating death. Jesus willingly embraced His mission, enduring physical torment, emotional agony, and spiritual separation from God on the cross. His sacrifice is a testament to His love for humanity and unwavering courage in fulfilling God's purpose.

Courageous Faith in a Turbulent World

Now, let's fast-forward 2,000 years to the tumultuous landscape of the modern world. Being a Christian demands unwavering courage. Our faith faces relentless challenges—from societal shifts to outright persecution. What level of courage does it take to stand firm as Christians today, drawing inspiration from both brave soldiers and Biblical figures?  

Right up front, God commands us to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity. Deuteronomy 31:6 assures us that He will never leave or forsake us. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. As Christians, we are called to be unafraid, knowing God is with us (Philippians 1:28).

Our courage reflects our deep-rooted faith in Christ. Psalm 73 reminds us that God's counsel guides us, even when circumstances seem dire. We trust in His protection, knowing that He neither slumbers nor sleeps. He knows our days and watches over us.

The books of Matthew and Revelation describe end-time events, including famine, wars, earthquakes, pestilence, and economic turmoil, all leading up to the final confrontation called the Battle of Armageddon. As believers, we must stand firm, trust God's promises, and live courageously. The world will turn against us; we must come to grips with that notion, but our hope lies in the eternal victory secured by Christ.

To better understand what Christians will encounter, let's look at Paul's warning to Timothy which provides valuable insights into the difficulties we believers will face:

Paul begins by emphasizing that in the last days, there will be times of much trouble. Look around us; what do you see? 

These challenging seasons will characterize the era leading up to Christ's return. Matthew 24 exhaustively outlines these seasons.

People's behavior will reflect a self-absorbed, materialistic, and godless mindset. They will prioritize themselves and their desires over God. Relationships will suffer, with children and young people becoming increasingly disobedient to their parents.  Is this not a perfect description of today's polarized society? 

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul warned Timothy of the problematic (also translated as "terrible") times that would happen throughout church history. People would be lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure instead of God; they would be abusive, unforgiving, and having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. There would be many false teachers that would lead people astray. Just as Paul warned Timothy, Christ warned his disciples as well. Satan would plant tares among the wheat and yeast in the flour (Matthew 13)—the church would be full of false believers and false doctrine.

Because of this reality, many have become angry at God and bitter at the church; some have fallen away from Christ altogether. These are fundamental realities to be aware of to protect ourselves and persevere. How can we stand in these times?

1 Peter 5:8-9 says, Be sober and alert. Like a roaring lion, your enemy, the devil, is on the prowl, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters worldwide are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

Paul also encourages Timothy (and us) to stand firm. He reminds Timothy of his example: "You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance" (2 Timothy 3:10).

Timothy is called to continue what he has learned and remain faithful, even when others go from bad to worse (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Being a Christian today demands courage—courage to face persecution, trust God's protection, and stand firm in the end times. Let us draw strength from biblical truths and the examples of those who came before us. May our faith shine brightly even in the darkest days. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observed years ago that if a person "hasn't found something he will die for, he isn't fit to live." That willingness even to die for some worthy purpose requires us to live with courage in the face of real risks.

For decades, I have thought that as believers, we will face what I call our "Stephen moment."  The moment we have to stand and declare our faith in the face of adversity and possible death. 

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Embracing Our 'Stephen Moment

Stephen, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is prominently featured in the book of Acts. His moment of bravery and martyrdom is recorded in Acts 7:54-60. Stephen was one of the seven chosen deacons appointed to serve the growing Christian community in Jerusalem. He stood out among his peers as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. When brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen seized the opportunity to deliver a powerful speech, recounting Israel's history and accusing the council of resisting the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at God's right hand. Despite the fury of the council, Stephen displayed remarkable bravery. As he was stoned, he prayed for forgiveness for his executioners, echoing Jesus' compassion. Stephen's legacy inspires believers, emphasizing courageous witness and forgiveness even in the face of persecution.

In summary, the last days will be marked by spiritual battles, false teachings, and moral decay. We, as Christians, will face physical, mental, and spiritual battles.  Are you prepared to face these challenges?  As Christians, we encounter multifaceted bodily, cognitive, and spiritual challenges. These battles are part of our journey, and we will experience them at some level. Let's explore how we can prepare ourselves:

Spiritual Battles:

1. Prayer and Scripture: Regular prayer and immersion in God's Word (the Bible) are essential. Prayer connects us to God, and Scripture provides wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. Seek spiritual nourishment daily.

2. Spiritual Armor: In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the "armor of God." Equip yourself with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Prayer is the shield that protects us.

3. Community: Engage with fellow believers. We're not meant to fight alone. Encourage one another, share burdens, and pray together.

Physical Challenges:

1. Self-Care: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Prioritize rest, nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being. A healthy body supports a healthy spirit.

2. Endurance: Life throws physical challenges our way—illness, fatigue, pain. Trust God's strength to sustain you. Remember Jesus' endurance during His earthly ministry.

3.  Physical preparations:  Simply put,  Be a Joseph.  Set aside basic provisions for that "rainy day". 

Mental Struggles:

1. Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. Replace negative thoughts with God's truth.   

2. Seek Wisdom: Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom." Read, learn, and seek godly counsel. Mental battles often require discernment and wisdom.

3. As believers, we must remember faithful examples, cling to God's truth, and stand firm in our faith despite the prevailing adversity.

In closing, never forget that Jesus faced all these battles during His earthly life. He was tempted, physically exhausted, and mentally burdened, yet He overcame. Fix your eyes on Him.

In summary, preparation involves spiritual discipline, community, self-care, wisdom-seeking, endurance, and hope. Trust that God equips you for the battles ahead, and remember that you're not alone in this journey. He is always with us!

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Michael E. Wheelon, a retired GG-14, held distinguished roles in security, counterintelligence, and special program oversight at the Special Access Programs Division, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Previously, as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) in the Air, Space, and Cyber Directorate, Space Superiority Division, he supervised Counterspace Operations at Peterson Air Force Base. With a military career spanning 31 countries and seven deployments, Wheelon fulfilled critical roles, including heavy weapons operator, high-frequency voice communications operator, ground station operator for high-valued space platforms, and signals intelligence instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information and Networking Operations from Chapman University and a master’s certification in Executive Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, along with several certifications such as the Senior Command Management Civilian Certification Course and the Secretary of the Air Forces’ Program Security Officer (PSO) Certification Course. Wheelon's accolades include numerous Airman and NCO of the Year awards and a Finalist nomination for the USAF's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Following retirement, he teaches at a Bible College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and contributes to Paul Begley Ministries. Outside his professional pursuits, Wheelon enjoys drumming, backpacking, skiing, ice climbing, and spending time with his wife, Shelley, and their dog, Boo.

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Join Us in Prayer: Courage: From Battlefields, the Bible to Today - A Journey of Faith and Bravery

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you with humble hearts, acknowledging Your sovereignty over all things. We thank You for the courage displayed by individuals throughout history, from the battlefields to the pages of Scripture, who inspire us to stand firm in faith despite adversity.

Today, we lift up Michael Wheelon, the author of this powerful narrative, to You. Bless him abundantly for his dedication to sharing stories of courage and faith. Grant him wisdom and insight as he continues to inspire others through his writing.

We also pray for all the readers and supporters of this article, as well as Revelation Watchers. May Your truth penetrate their hearts, filling them with courage and strength to face the challenges of today's world.

Lord, we reflect on the stories of Sgt Alvin C. York, the soldiers of D-Day, the Marines of Iwo Jima, and the biblical figures like David and Stephen. Their examples remind us that true courage comes from trusting in Your strength and purpose.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we heed Your command to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are always with us. Grant us the wisdom to discern truth from falsehood, the endurance to persevere in the face of trials, and the humility to seek Your guidance in all things.

Help us to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically for the battles ahead. May we find strength in community, draw wisdom from Your Word, and renew our minds daily with Your truth.

Finally, Lord, we fix our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example of courage and love. May His sacrificial death on the cross inspire us to live boldly for Your kingdom, knowing that You equip us for every challenge we may face.

In Jesus' holy and mighty name, we pray, Amen.