Courage to Stand

This is such an encouraging and timely book. John Stamper used stories of people from different cultures and times to show the importance of standing against the flow. I loved it a lot because it’s important to see that the heroes are not only in the Bible, but anyone who trusts in the Lord for a victory is victorious because of God. I also liked how raw and real this book is. Our battle is not always quick and easy but it does not mean that God hasn’t got it. He already knows the end result, and we just need to patiently seek Him for the answer.
This book is also gentle in a way that it would be appropriate for teenagers to read. Great book! Thank you.

John Stamper did an excellent job discussing a topic that is so needed in our world today. Christians serve the only True God and the all powerful God, and there is nothing that the Creator God can’t do. From the start of the book to the end, the pages are filled with inspiration, encouragement, empowerment, faith, hope, and love! John reminds us through the lives of others that God is always with His people. From the best of times to the worst of times, God never fails.

Many of the accounts captured in the book reminds me of what was recorded in Joshua 1:9 – “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (ESV). Christians so desperately need to be reminded of this. Often, Christians act cowardly and aren’t willing to stand for what is true. Many times I see this played out by not saying something when something needs to be said. It is so easy to take the path of least resistance. I think many Christians don’t want to sacrifice what is necessary to share the truth of God’s Word. I have been faced with this in my life many times, however I have a difficult time not saying something. I have always desired the truth to known and hearts and minds to follow the truth, which is always found in Jesus Christ!

That is why Christians need to remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-13: “ - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (ESV).

We have the power of God on our side. We don’t need to be afraid because God will equip us to stand strong through His strength. John Stamper does an excellent job of relaying this throughout the book. I particularly appreciated the application parts of the book. Those sections really helped relate to each person’s situation and also helped evaluate circumstances the reader is faced with. John Stamper demonstrated through the life of others how God empowers, encourages and enables His people to stand for righteousness.
I also liked how John Stamper provided profiles of people’s lives of biblical times and modern times. I find it difficult sometimes for Christians to relate to people in the Bible because of how the culture was so different (even though the problems are nothing new under the sun). Sometimes people cannot fully grasp the situation without researching history. However, John Stamper offered a good balance of people standing strong in scripture and people standing strong in our day and time. What was helpful in doing this is to realize that whether it was people of the Bible or people of today, they were normal people. They were just trying to live the life God had given them. However, because this world is cursed from sin, circumstances arose that required a decision for each of them: walk away in cowardice or stand strong in the Lord. Thank God they chose (and are choosing) to stand strong in the Lord.

May we all “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (I Corinthians 6:13).

This book shows you how to stand on God's word in the face of spiritual conflict. Something that gets harder and harder to do each day. Included are nine stories of people who overcame their fears. You can see where God was present in each story. Hearing these stories will encourage you to always remember that God is with you. The author shows us how standing on God's word has empowered each of these people, whether they were from long ago, in the Bible, or more recent in history. It can be hard and scary at times but as John Stamper shows us, when we yield ourselves to God, He can use us in mighty ways.

What a timely book! It is a wonderful compilation of examples of those who have stood firm in faith in some of the worst circumstances. This is a call to Christians to trust God and His faithfulness, no matter the situations we face in this fallen world. It is such an encouraging and motivating book, and throughout the text the author points the reader back to scripture. Some of the stories are familiar to many believers, and others are less known. All of them are worthy of reading again, should they be familiar. I love the application sections. They’re great for an individual reader, but it would also be great for discussion within a group or with family members. This book would make a great gift for any believer that needs encouragement. Thank you, Coach Stamper, for taking the time to put these words on paper.