Courage and Good Character

Mark 6:50
"But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage! I am here!"

In 1 Samuel 7:1-17 we discover how important it is to have courage and good character to successfully provide good leadership. Twenty years have past and the Israelites have finally recognized Samuel (no longer a young boy) as the Prophet, Judge and Leader they need to get back on the right path with God and survive the trials of life.

APPLICATION:

How about you? Have you come to the place where you recognize you need a Savior to survive?

The world tells us “You can do life all on your own.”

BUT THAT IS A LIE.

The truth is “you and I need a Savior!”

1 Samuel 7:1-6

The people have fallen into other religions and worship idols instead of God.

Samuel requires all of the people to totally get rid of all their idols and they obey.

Next the people were told to fast and pray with a repentant heart for God to help and restore them once again. (Psalm 51:17)

APPLICATION:

Do you have any idols in your life?

Anything we trust or serve in place of God is an idol.

Now is the time to get rid of your idols, repent and turn back to God.

1 Samuel 7:8-13

After the Israelites repent and tear down their idols God blesses them with victory over their enemies on the battlefield.

Samuel sets up a marker called the “Ebenezer” this meant the “stone of help”. The stone is a great reminder of the blessings they have received from God.

APPLICATION:

Have you set up any type of marker or are you journaling the blessings in your life from God your Savior? It’s not too late to begin today writing or recording your blessings. You will receive hope and encouragement as you recall God’s kindness in your life. When you write your blessings down you will leave a legacy for your family and others to remember.

Things we can learn from Samuel’s leadership qualities:

1. Samuel had a bold daily relationship with God. He prayed, read the Word and worshipped God on a daily basis. The people knew God was speaking to Samuel and Samuel was listening.

2. Samuel had integrity and walked in obedience to the Lord. The people recognized the difference in leadership as they compared Eli with Samuel.

3. Samuel was real and authentic with the people around him.

Dear Lord,

Help me to live a bold Christian life with integrity and obedience. I want to be real and authentic so others will trust my leadership. I humbly come to your throne as an empty vessel to be filled with Your Holy Spirit and be used to lead others to Christ.

In Your strong and mighty name I pray, Amen