Braveheart

Bruce Kendall Barnard

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33, NLT)

In the motion picture, Braveheart, William Wallace was the Scottish hero who led the fight against British rule in Scotland. Alongside Wallace stood Robert the Bruce, a Scottish nobleman who betrayed Wallace, but later—after Wallace’s execution—rose up to lead Scotland to freedom and was known as Robert I, King of Scotland.

Before Robert the Bruce died in 1329, he requested that his heart be removed from his body and taken on the crusade by a worthy knight. His closest friend, James Douglas, at his side when he died, agreed. The heart was removed, embalmed, and sealed in a small silver container. According to legend, Douglas took the responsibility of literally carrying the heart of the nobleman-king into every battle he fought.

In early 1330 James Douglas found himself in an ill-fated battle, surrounded by the enemy and in this case, death for him was both certain and imminent. In an instant, Douglas reached for the heart and flung it toward the enemy, shouting, "Forward, brave heart, fight for the heart of your king!" The motto of the Douglas clan to this day is, "Forward!"

I wonder what battles you find yourself in this Friday evening. Has the week worn you down to the point of exhaustion? Are there enemies around you that threaten your very existence? Is it a struggle to simply find time to share your deepest concerns and thoughts with your King? The good news is that if you will only move forward—not capitulating—our Lord will meet you and embrace you at the point of your need! He will join you in your battles to ensure victory in the struggles you face.  

Heavenly Father, your Son was right when he predicted that in this life we would experience trials and sorrows. It has been that kind of week for me. There have been moments when I have even questioned my own purpose in life. But your Son promised strength for the fight. He encouraged us to take heart. That assurance is based on the fact that He faced these same battles in his life and overcame them all. I rest in that assurance today. Thank you for the peace you are bringing to me now as I voice this prayer. In the strong name of Jesus I pray. Amen.