Zero to Hero

Movies! We all have our favorite scene. We know the dialog by heart. And the picture in our head is as clear as day. What’s yours?

If you’re like me it’s a scene where some regular guy confronts the villain and comes out on top. In the process they go from zero to hero. Here’s one of my favorites. But if you’re under 13 and without parental guidance at the moment, better go get your mom:

I’ve been in situations like this before. Maybe you have, too. But my scenes don’t end like this one. Why not? Because standing up for who you are and what you believe isn’t easy. We don’t live on a Hollywood production set.

Years ago I took a class at Kent State called, Comparative Religious Thought. From day one the professor told us his class was no place to defend one’s faith. Then every day he’d take a pre-packaged, easy-target, twisted version of Christianity behind the academic woodshed.

AND I DID NOTHING ABOUT IT.

Why didn’t I stand up in that classroom ten years ago and challenge that professor’s poppycock notion of Christianity? I think there are two reasons.

1. My default personality leans toward passivity.

2. I don’t feel equipped to challenge another person—mentally or physically.

Last year I read the entire Bible cover-to-cover. I noticed something. I read dozens of stories of men who were as passive or as ill-equipped as me. Moses, David, Nehemiah, Stephen, Peter. And yet by the end of their stories, they were valiant, noble and courageous.

So how did they go from zero to hero?

Did they wait until they felt ready and equipped to go out and do the amazing things they did? No! The God who takes initiative in my life and in yours equipped them to charge ahead—without fear. They acted on the promises of a faithful and powerful God. They knew their weakness and asked for God’s help—and He gave it.

Here’s the key. They charged ahead by faith, ready or not. And they received grace to help in spite of their dire need. The amazing thing is—we can do it too:

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).

The power we need is there. Ready or not, lead your family. Ready or not, tell your co-worker about the hope you have in Jesus. Ready or not, GO!

http://twitter.com/ToddIannetta ToddIannetta

Nice work, Jim! Sorry a little behind.
Jarrod

You should have spoken up more. You know me and Johhny Bronco would have had your back if you stood up to that all poppycock mumbo jumbo.
http://twitter.com/The_Real_Du Derek DuRoss

Excellent blog Jim. My personality also leans toward passivity. Yet what I often forget is God intended that personality for me and will use it in His own unique way to bring Himself glory. I just have to be willing to step out and trust him.

After hearing Joe mention Tom Randall during his message on Sunday, I went back and downloaded one of Toms’s talks from 2009 at CCC. It was the sermon on ‘comfort zones’. Just a great reminder that staying in my comfort zone often robs me of what I get to experience when I move out of fear and instead trust God.

Hope all is well Jim and great to see you sharing on Red Like Blood!

Derek
- http://www.facebook.com/jim.bossler Jim N Erin Bossler
  
  Thanks Derek. I agree. I don’t think my two reasons are good enough to simply throw my hands in the air and say, “That’s just who I am.” The book of James calls us to the carpet. He says any semblance of faith that doesn’t follow with action is what James calls “dead!” Therefore, I can’t settle for simply hearing the word of God, I must act on it. That’s been the current conviction of my heart.
Brett

Thanks for sharing Jim. I think we have all had instances like that where we wished we had spoken up…at least I know I have. Thanks for your encouragement to go forward now.