The Hero Within
Demonstrating courage through God’s strength and those who go before us.
I was watching a movie based on a true story, and it struck me why inspirational documentary films bring me to tears. They powerfully illustrate the triumph over hopelessness and impossible situations. They manifest unwavering faith and hope, demonstrating the ability to refuse to give up in the face of suffering. Perseverance and determination illuminate the person or persons toward a path for a better outcome. These types of stories inspire me profoundly as they demonstrate determination until the task is complete, knowing their life or someone else’s may be at risk. These heroes leave a lasting impact on my heart, especially when done through prayer, drawing from the strength of God. When facing challenges, I sometimes reflect on those who have influenced me to find the wisdom and courage to see my situation through.
Being deeply interested in inspiring stories, I sat down and reflected on two things:
God can and will provide us strength when we feel we have nothing left to give.
God is our encourager through His ever-present Spirit, which motivates us to push through for just one more day, for one more moment.
Before we know it, we find ourselves on the other side of the struggle. What do people do when they rely solely on their own power, without faith, and without anyone or anything else to turn to for help?
My family and extended family are currently facing a significant amount of stress, which can take an emotional and physical toll. Without my constant connection with God through prayer and immersion in scripture, I would feel alone and overwhelmed. Jesus' words assure me I am not alone in my journey. The presence of God’s Holy Spirit within me brings comfort and direction during trying times.
That night, I pulled up my mother’s genealogy photos of family members from Italy and Germany in awe of their journeys and stories. It reminds me that even in the toughest times, there is hope that brighter days are ahead. I am grateful that this spark inside moved me to a place of deep reflection. I am amazed by those who faced extreme and prolonged obstacles that were beyond their control, challenges that seemed humanly impossible. The relatives I have met who lived through war seem to complain less, laugh more, and express greater gratitude and affection toward others compared to those who have not experienced life during wartime.
Our family acquired a rare photograph of our cousin, Kurt Sheunert. Even though I have not met Kurt, this picture includes his name, location, and year on it. It speaks volumes without any additional documentation attached. This was enough information for me to admire and be inspired by those in the photograph. The year was 1939, and Germany was preparing for World War II. This picture included Kurt and the men of his small town digging a trench for protection against artillery and shock waves from explosions in the hope that it would save lives. The location was Schlesien, once East Germany, now split between three countries, with parts of the land in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland. This was a coal town, heavy in mining and farmland. My grandfather and his father both worked in the mine on the electric trains.
Kurt Sheunert, 1939 (East Germany)
During my visit to Germany in 2010, I believe I may have been in the area where this picture was taken. I remember my cousin telling me that our grandfather and family first lived in a home near theirs, which was once part of East Germany but is now occupied by Poland. The piece of land that was once in our family is directly across the border, where there is still an unoccupied border patrol house. Kurt most likely lived with or near the family home at the time this photo was taken. It is possible that I stood or drove by the spot where this picture was captured.
1939 - Kurt Sheunert and men of Schlesien (East Germany)
It is without question that war was around the corner. The men dug these long and deep trenches by hand with whatever farm or house tools they owned. I could only imagine their blistered hands bubbling up, raw and bleeding. Digging through the tree roots and rocks. Their backs aching from bending over for hours, relying on what strength they had left to keep going. Time was of the essence. They all understood what lay ahead and how their task of digging the trenches wide and deep enough could save someone else's life. They were fully aware that they soon could be the ones in the trench, armed and ready to protect their family and neighbors in the near days to come. Holding a grudge or staying angry with neighbors no longer seemed sensible. The stakes were a matter of life or death, and it was time to unite.
The end could be around the corner. Where did they go to seek comfort in their fear? Did they even have a relationship with their Lord and Savior? Did they pray with a confident faith that God would protect them? Did they surrender to God’s will and draw from his strength to finish the task? Did they seek courage from God as they faced the next task during the acts of war? I found myself lost in the thoughts of Kurt's wife, children, friends, employment for income, food supply, and exposure to the unknown. Did my cousin find comfort in the Lord to draw out the hero from within that God molded him to be in such a time as this?
I discovered that the stories of believers who are heroes often include four key elements:
1. They acknowledge the potential risks or sacrifices involved in their actions.
Believers turn to God for direction and guidance through prayer in times of preparation and waiting. It’s important to acknowledge that this waiting can often feel more challenging than the act of taking action itself. Uncertainty can be difficult, so believers seek comfort and clarity during these moments through prayer. They dismiss taking inventory of their own sacrifice for another.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
2. They embody empathetic biblical values that guide them to stand for what is just and right.
Wisdom comes from standing firm in scripture while seeking God’s perspective as He grows believers in the maturity of their faith. This form of understanding places empathy in hearts, which comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps discern what is just and what is righteous. Heroes don’t seek what is best for themselves at the expense of hurting others. It is quite the opposite. They sacrifice and take risks to shine the light of Jesus through the darkness; this is a piece of their armor that makes them heroes. It is in their loving others as Jesus loves them, despite their own disadvantage.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
3. They draw upon the intense inner strength of the Holy Spirit to face the challenges and trials that come their way.
In Psalm 28, King David finds his strength and protection from God. David faces his challenges, knowing God is with him with an attitude never to give up. He allows God to see him to victory, and the victory is God’s! Believer heroes do not look for a pat on the back; they acknowledge and celebrate the God who brought them through it.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7
4. They seek God, believing that His power is greater than theirs and that He will help them carry it out.
The guidance offered by scripture and the testimonies of those who witnessed God's power provide us with the courage to persevere through trials and challenges. When we face trials, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in God’s perfect timing as we navigate life’s storms. Even when the face of affliction is upon us, when the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we have to remember that it is part of God’s good, and pleasing will. Trusting in His will serves a higher purpose, even if it is hard to understand.
Trust in the strength provided by our Creator and Protector the next time you face life's challenges. If something is honorable, just, morally right, and true, stand firm in the name of Jesus and give all glory and honor to God. He is the Hero within you who will guide you through it all!
