DAY 16 - NIGHT OF COURAGE
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 17:1 – 30
Bible Text:
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'” (NKJV)
MIDNIGHT MEDITATION:
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. It is superceeding fear by making your prayers with very strong faith. Anybody without courage is a knife without an edge. One man with courage makes an effective majority.
However, it is interesting to note that there can be no courage in men unless God supports them by His word. Courage consists not in hazarding without fear, but being resolutely minded in a just cause. Only he who can say “The Lord is the strength of my life” can boldly say “of whom shall I be afraid?”
The Bible supplies us with a rich store of images for courage. This is no surprise since the Bible is about small people accomplishing great deeds with God's help. Anytime God requires us to face trials and tribulations, He always provides the courage to meet the demand. David was a man of great courage – not merely human courage, but courage deeply rooted in an understanding of the sovereignty of God. In our main text, we see God's supernatural strength in action in the life of David. Tonight, much more of this courage will be activated in our lives and be transferred to victory.
In the days of Exodus, most of the Israelites had been afraid to enter the Promised Land because they received a bad report that made them afraid of the giants living there (Numbers 13:32-33). And even after God had promised to deliver Canaan into their hands, they were still faced with another last standing giant - King Og of Bashan, who needed a bed over 13 feet long, as written in Deuteronomy 3:11 “for only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants. Indeed his bedstead was an iron bedstead. (Is it not in Rabbah of the people of Ammon?) Nine cubits is its length and four cubits its width, according to the standard cubit”. Such were the challenges that made Israel so afraid.
Now Goliath over nine feet tall taunted Israel's soldiers and appeared invincible to them, and Saul, the tallest of the Israelites may have been especially worried because he was obviously the best match for Goliath, but he was overcame with fear; because, he failed to realize that, in God's eyes, however, Goliath was no different than anyone else.
MIDNIGHT MEDITATION:
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. It is superceeding fear by making your prayers with very strong faith. Anybody without courage is a knife without an edge. One man with courage makes an effective majority.
However, it is interesting to note that there can be no courage in men unless God supports them by His word. Courage consists not in hazarding without fear, but being resolutely minded in a just cause. Only he who can say “The Lord is the strength of my life” can boldly say “of whom shall I be afraid?”
The Bible supplies us with a rich store of images for courage. This is no surprise since the Bible is about small people accomplishing great deeds with God's help. Anytime God requires us to face trials and tribulations, He always provides the courage to meet the demand. David was a man of great courage – not merely human courage, but courage deeply rooted in an understanding of the sovereignty of God. In our main text, we see God's supernatural strength in action in the life of David. Tonight, much more of this courage will be activated in our lives and be transferred to victory.
In the days of Exodus, most of the Israelites had been afraid to enter the Promised Land because they received a bad report that made them afraid of the giants living there (Numbers 13:32-33). And even after God had promised to deliver Canaan into their hands, they were still faced with another last standing giant - King Og of Bashan, who needed a bed over 13 feet long, as written in Deuteronomy 3:11 “for only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants. Indeed his bedstead was an iron bedstead. (Is it not in Rabbah of the people of Ammon?) Nine cubits is its length and four cubits its width, according to the standard cubit”. Such were the challenges that made Israel so afraid.
Now Goliath over nine feet tall taunted Israel's soldiers and appeared invincible to them, and Saul, the tallest of the Israelites may have been especially worried because he was obviously the best match for Goliath, but he was overcame with fear; because, he failed to realize that, in God's eyes, however, Goliath was no different than anyone else.
An army often avoided the high cost of battle by pitching it's strongest warrior against the strongest warrior of the enemy. This avoided great bloodshed because the winner of the fight was considered the winner of the battle. Goliath had definite advantage against David from a human standpoint. But Goliath didn't realise that in fighting David, he was fighting God; for the Bible says, “We are the apple of His own eyes” (Zech. 2:8).
Why would this go on for 40 days without one side attacking the other? Lack of courage; each side was waiting for the other side because they were camped on opposite sides of valley with sleep walls. Whoever would rush down the valley and up the steep cliffs would be at a disadvantage at the beginning of the battle and probably suffer great casualties.
“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26 NKJV)
What a difference perspective can make. Most of the onlookers saw only a giant; David, however, saw a mortal man defying Almighty God. He knew he would not be alone when he faced Goliath; God would fight with him. He looked at his situation from God's point of view.
Why would this go on for 40 days without one side attacking the other? Lack of courage; each side was waiting for the other side because they were camped on opposite sides of valley with sleep walls. Whoever would rush down the valley and up the steep cliffs would be at a disadvantage at the beginning of the battle and probably suffer great casualties.
“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26 NKJV)
What a difference perspective can make. Most of the onlookers saw only a giant; David, however, saw a mortal man defying Almighty God. He knew he would not be alone when he faced Goliath; God would fight with him. He looked at his situation from God's point of view.
Viewing impossible situations from God's point of view helps us put giant problems in perspective. Once we see clearly, we can fight more effectively; because until our perspective change, our story cannot change. Defeat is never a viable option for the person of courage. As David faced his battle with Goliath, he never considered defeat as an option. People of courage refuse to look for ways of escape. They set their gaze on advancement and victory. Tonight, as you pray never go into spiritual battle entertaining thoughts of defeat; you will lose every time. Men and women of courage know their success lies with an unshakable God.
I know you may have been badly criticised. Criticism couldn't stop David; while the rest of the army stood around, he knew the importance of taking action, with God to fight for him, there was no reason to wait. People may try to discourage you with negative comments of mockery, but continue to do what you know is right. By doing what is right, you will be pleasing God whose opinion matters most.
Courageous people keep record of past victories, they are grateful and keep recalling past victories and God's faithfulness. At times David had faced enemies just as vicious as Goliath. Shortly before the battle, David recalled how God strengthened him in the past to kill both a Lion and a Bear. He expected the same sort of help to defeat Goliath.
Courage is a result of having the right attitude and absolute trust in God despite the mockery. David's brothers mocked him. Saul pacified him; Goliath made fun of him. But their negative talk did not affect David. Every time God calls you to follow Him, expect opposition, even from surprising sources. Genuine courage is not chilled or suppressed by inner fears or outward difficulties. Take time to study God's word and apply His principles to your life. You can always face your enemies head on when you stand on the promises of God's word.
A courageous person is never a complainant. He applies resources at hand in creative ways. David chose five smooth stones and a slingshot as his weapons instead of the bulky armour of Saul. He faced Goliath clothed in the strong faith of the living God. Mere men cannot penetrate nor defeat God-centred faith! A person with the attribute of courage confronts an opponent with confidence that he will ultimately succeed. Whenever we face life's trials as David did, by faith, we become men and women of courage and the victory is always ours.
Tonight as you pray, remember at three specific times, the Lord spoke to Joshua about courage:
Joshua 1:6 – to make decisions that affected other people and his leadership.
Joshua 1:7 – to keep the laws and commandments even as changes occurred, and
Joshua 1:9 – to remember continually that the Lord was with him despite what circumstances might indicate to the contrary.
Everyone of us needs courage tonight, and as this is activated, the rest of your life will surely be the very best in Jesus name. Pray fervently for courage to be activated and act by faith. See you at the peak of victory.
I know you may have been badly criticised. Criticism couldn't stop David; while the rest of the army stood around, he knew the importance of taking action, with God to fight for him, there was no reason to wait. People may try to discourage you with negative comments of mockery, but continue to do what you know is right. By doing what is right, you will be pleasing God whose opinion matters most.
Courageous people keep record of past victories, they are grateful and keep recalling past victories and God's faithfulness. At times David had faced enemies just as vicious as Goliath. Shortly before the battle, David recalled how God strengthened him in the past to kill both a Lion and a Bear. He expected the same sort of help to defeat Goliath.
Courage is a result of having the right attitude and absolute trust in God despite the mockery. David's brothers mocked him. Saul pacified him; Goliath made fun of him. But their negative talk did not affect David. Every time God calls you to follow Him, expect opposition, even from surprising sources. Genuine courage is not chilled or suppressed by inner fears or outward difficulties. Take time to study God's word and apply His principles to your life. You can always face your enemies head on when you stand on the promises of God's word.
A courageous person is never a complainant. He applies resources at hand in creative ways. David chose five smooth stones and a slingshot as his weapons instead of the bulky armour of Saul. He faced Goliath clothed in the strong faith of the living God. Mere men cannot penetrate nor defeat God-centred faith! A person with the attribute of courage confronts an opponent with confidence that he will ultimately succeed. Whenever we face life's trials as David did, by faith, we become men and women of courage and the victory is always ours.
Tonight as you pray, remember at three specific times, the Lord spoke to Joshua about courage:
Joshua 1:6 – to make decisions that affected other people and his leadership.
Joshua 1:7 – to keep the laws and commandments even as changes occurred, and
Joshua 1:9 – to remember continually that the Lord was with him despite what circumstances might indicate to the contrary.
Everyone of us needs courage tonight, and as this is activated, the rest of your life will surely be the very best in Jesus name. Pray fervently for courage to be activated and act by faith. See you at the peak of victory.
PRAY UNTIL GOD ALMIGHTY ANSWERS (PUGAA)
IT'S MIDNIGHT PRAYER:
- Heavenly Father, frustrate whatever has been sapping my courage in Jesus Name.
- As you gave David courage to confront Goliath; tonight, grant me courage to challenge all my goliaths in Jesus name.
- O God of Host, every relationship militating against my courage to face my future, terminate it in Jesus Name. Amen
- Create for me O God, the atmosphere that would enhance my advancement, despite the challenges in the mighty name of Jesus.
- Grant me the right attitude in life to fulfil Your expectations; grace to confront every discouraging circumstance in my family in Jesus mighty name.
- Heavenly Father, pull down every instrument of Goliath intimidating me in the Mighty name of Jesus.
- Tonight, back me up with courage to change the story of my family and make me shine as light and star in Jesus name.
- God, grant me courage to undertake herculean
tasks that I have been avoiding for several years in the Mighty name of Jesus. - The courage to confront previous setbacks, present challenges and future possibilities shall overwhelm me tonight in Jesus name.
- O God, take out all my fears and embolden me to confront the mountains of life that stands before me. Breathe on me that your gift in me may make room for me in Jesus name.
- Heavenly Father, truncate every discouraging circumstance that seeks to subdue my faith and boldness in Jesus Name.
- I and my family shall always look back to all Your goodness upon our lives and continually live in the bold realm of your assured victory in Jesus wonderful name, I pray.
FAMILY MIDNIGHT PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
N/B: Beloved be on your knees, lay your right hand on your head and by faith prophetically claim all the midnight declarations. See yourself as someone kneeling before a great messenger of God and after claiming all declarations, go back and sleep.
N/B: Beloved be on your knees, lay your right hand on your head and by faith prophetically claim all the midnight declarations. See yourself as someone kneeling before a great messenger of God and after claiming all declarations, go back and sleep.
- Whosoever had caused you to operate under a minimum capacity, the Lord shall take him/her out of the picture, so that you and your potential shall be enlarged to the maximum level in Jesus name.
- In this season, your worth shall be revealed like hidden treasure; your voice shall sound like the thunder bolt and your life shall be the standard for others to emulate in Jesus name.
- You shall win every battle that your parents and colleagues lost, from now on you shall be a victor in Jesus name. Amen
- From this season onward, your back-bitters shall no longer reach your back, and you shall surprise them with extraordinary breakthroughs in Jesus name.
- Those who did not know your name will learn to pronounce it this season for good. The Lord Almighty will give you a name and also an identity that will no more be mistaken in line withIsaiah 56:5 "Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off."
- The Lord Almighty will grant you appetite to feast in the presence of your enemies and they shall serve you. Your covenant with evil men in the days of ignorance is broken this season and a new covenant is established to the glory of God in Jesus name.
KINGDOM ASSIGNMENTS/COMMITMENTS:
- Pray for your leaders in the Church, Country and State; that God will endow them with wisdom and direction to lead aright. Send text to at least five persons you know are suffering from indecision and encourage them to be courageous.
- Inform and invite at least three persons in leadership position to join you in this family midnight prayer encounter. Tell the person about the impartation service.
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