Heroes Often Stand Alone
In World War II, U.S. Admiral, Raymond Spruance, took several stands that were contrary to what virtually everyone else thought. After the first day of the Battle of Midway, Spruance steamed away from the Japanese for several hours before returning so he could avoid running into a night ambush. He was criticized for what seemed excessive caution following the sinking of three Japanese carriers the first day. Yet, postwar analysis showed that the Japanese had set this precise trap and Spruance made the right decision.
In addition, Admiral Spruance opposed the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his superior, Admiral Nimitz, when all of them planned on assaulting the Marshall Islands as the next stage in the U.S. offensive. Spruance favored attacking the Gilbert Islands first and eventually his arguments won over his superiors. Again, his judgment was vindicated.
Finally, Spruance again disagreed with the Joint Chiefs’ plan to invade Formosa. He contended that Iwo Jima and Okinawa should be targeted instead. As before, his superiors, in time, came to agree with him and his insights were shown to be correct.
Martin Luther also stood virtually alone against the whole Roman Catholic Church. He declared that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone. God’s glory and the Scripture as God’s revelation was emphasized as was the priesthood of all believers. The Church, suffering from so much corruption, was renewed as a result.
In the Old Testament, Job stood by himself. His wife said he was wrong; his friends and advisors said he was wrong. He alone thought his situation was different from what was normally the case – that it represented a need to think outside the box. Everyone blamed him for his stubbornness in thinking as he did. They thought he had normal problems and should deal with them in normal ways. They were wrong and Job alone was essentially correct. He did have some attitudes that required adjustment, but God said he was basically correct despite standing alone. Job’s position was considered bizarre and was rejected by everyone else. Thank God he stood alone, though.
Is there an area where the Lord is calling you to take an unpopular stand? Are you willing to deal with the criticism, misunderstanding, and disapproval? Do what Spruance, Luther, and Job did: carefully examine the evidence then come to the appropriate conclusion. If others don’t see it, persevere. Keep standing. Trailblazers and prophets generally don’t run with the crowd anyway. They see what others don’t yet see.
May the Lord give you the insight to determine what is right then the strength to stand in it regardless of the opposition.
Comforting others is costly but worth it.