Over these past few weeks, I’ve had this reoccurring thought dominate my mind. Everywhere I turned from movies, literature, social media, to music, this word kept creeping into my consciousness.
The word you ask? Think- Superman or the song “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler.
Yep, you guessed it.
HERO.
But, what exactly is a hero? It is defined as -
· a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability;
· an illustrious warrior;
· a person admired for achievements and noble qualities;
· the central figure in an event, period, or movement;
· one who shows great courage; or
· an object of extreme admiration and devotion.
Regardless of which definition may resonate with you, I believe we can agree that everyone loves a hero! It doesn’t matter your gender, race, background, or upbringing- a hero is universal, timeless, and celebrated. Heroes hold a special place in history because they bring hope and offer the promise of a happy ending!
When life doesn’t make sense, all hope is lost, the battle appears unwinnable and the darkest hour approaches. When you fall to your knees in despair and don’t know if you can face another day. When the circumstance is impossible and there doesn't appear to be a way out.
It is in these times that we desperately search and hope for a hero. We do this because we believe in heroes. If we think about it, history even tells us a champion will eventually come.
Don’t believe me? Consider these stories:
The Israelites chased to the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s armies fast approaching. Trapped. Nowhere to turn.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shoved into a blazing furnace. Death is imminent.
Lazareth dead in his grave for three days. Decomposition underway.
Peter is imprisoned for his beliefs. Bound in chains with two guards on each side. No hope for escape.
Daniel is encased in the lion's den surrounded by starving beasts. No rescue possible.
Jonah in the belly of the whale. Destined to be lost at sea forever.
Christ crucified. Dreams crushed. Faith dashed. The tomb is sealed.
The common theme: Dire circumstances. Impossible odds. Seemingly hopeless.
That is until the hero shows up!
We are so accustomed to thinking heroes are either mere mortals or comic book characters. There is even an English Proverb that says "A hero is a man who is afraid to run away.”
Oh, the folly in limiting our perception to this natural world.
Because when God, our ultimate hero shows up everything changes; the sea parts, the fire holds no harm, the dead rise, the chains are broken, the shore is reached, the lions’ mouths are sealed and death is defeated! The impossible happens.
Let us never forget, God is the greatest hero and the deliverer of every happy ending!
Love conquerors ALL with NO exceptions.
Romans 12:12 tells us “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
So, whatever impossibility, defeat, disappointment, or despair you are facing this day; don’t lose hope! Don’t dismiss your faith. Wait on the Lord.
Always believing that God is loyal and HE WILL SHOW UP!
A word of advice- if the wait seems longer than you would like- keep in mind that God’s ways are not our ways. His timing is not our timing and even when this world makes no sense- God is still in control.
Hold out for the one hero that has perfect timing and can literally do the impossible. Because when God shows up amazing things happen!