https://odb.org/2026/08/28/the-courage-god-gives
2 Samuel 23:11–12 (NIV): 11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
The CEO was hurting employees with his sharp tongue. No one dared confront him. Everyone was afraid of him, including Gene. But one day the CEO berated a new employee, reducing her to tears. When Gene saw how everyone in the room stayed silent, he spoke up. “I told him the way he was treating people was wrong,” Gene recalls. “He was astonished; it was the first time someone stood up to him. He didn’t change, but I’m glad I spoke up.” (Karen Huang, Our Daily Bread 28th August 2026)
Confronting a CEO is a difficult mission (potentially suicidal) as he or she has the direct capability to decide your career progression in the organisation and even your remuneration package. Unless we are prepared to walk, most would just tag along. But if it’s a decision affecting the future of the organisation itself, we could possibly have a good reason to state our point of view. In the corporate setup or even a church, the decision and responsibility lie with the boss or the pastor and if he maintains his call, we comply and execute. That’s how reality works. So if we are prone to rebel and not follow, then we should be our own boss. That’s how businesses are started or even churches break away after major disagreements.
Courage in the faith comes in different forms and even as much of the Old Testament looks at courage from the point of view of actual military bravery and battlefield exploits (like today’scontext of Shammah) – in this modern era, what’s more relevant in our life is perhaps witnessing for Christ or making a stand for our faith.
Do we have the courage to speak up to someone on Jesus or to confront a friend for bad behaviour? Are we bold enough to offer to pray for someone who is facing cancer treatment or going through a heart break situation?
There could be situations in our life where we could be like Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite in the modern context, if we are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Have the courage to speak up to confront a wrong but read the room well before doing so. The reality is – it is often less the truth we speak but more of who says it that matters. But if we could make a difference, have the courage and boldness to speak the truth with conviction. The Lord will surely stand with us for our courage and boldness!
Have a good weekend ahead, everyone! It’s a long weekend in Malaysia as we have Independence Day on Monday. My local church is taking advantage of the break to have a family camp. Happy holidays if you’re in Malaysia!
Ronnie's Thoughts 