Living FearlessExemplo

Courage for the Cause: Joan of Arc

It was in the midst of political unrest and social upheaval that Joan appeared. Born in 1412 in northeastern France, Joan was the youngest in a family of five. Although skilled in sewing and spinning, she never learned to read or write. From a very early age she displayed an unusually deep devotion to God. She spent hours absorbed in prayer and was known to have a tender heart for the poor and needy.

When she was thirteen, Joan experienced her first heavenly visitation: a blaze of bright light accompanied by a voice. She received numerous such visitations during the months that followed and gradually discerned the identities of those who spoke to her. Joan identified one of them as Michael the archangel; St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret of Antioch, both early Christian martyrs, were the others.

She soon had dreams of horses running in battle and of herself being led away with an army of men. During this time she gradually became aware of the call of God on her life. He seemed to be telling her that she was to go to the aid of the disinherited Charles, the true king of France; drive the English away from Orleans and out of the country, and lead the procession to see Charles enthroned. At first she resisted: “I’m just a girl. I have no education and no training in military skills. Who’s going to listen to me?” Her voices continued, however, and became more and more insistent.

Under the insistent direction of her “voices,” Joan presented herself and her mission to the commander of Charles’ forces in the neighboring town. Charles, not knowing what to make of this teenage girl who was coming to see him, decided to test Joan by disguising himself and surrounding himself with attendants. However, when Joan was brought in, she somehow immediately recognized him and addressed him as the king.

Joan had such an incredible presence of the Lord on her that she drew people to her everywhere she turned. By the time she arrived on the field, Charles’ army was at a very low point; they were exhausted, defeated, discouraged, and disillusioned. Then Joan appeared, proclaiming that she had a vision from God to raise an army for their nation and for Him. As Joan’s presence became known, soldiers began to rush to her side by the thousands.

As miraculous as it seems, the soldiers agreed as one body to come into holy living and purity. Joan had absolutely no training in military operations or strategy, but God gave her battle plans on the field. Some of the generals were still not completely convinced, however, and tried to trick her by following other strategies. God revealed to Joan what was going on, and she challenged the generals: “In God’s Name, the advice of Our Lord is wiser and more certain than yours. You thought to deceive me, but it is you who are deceived, for I bring you the best help that ever came to any soldier or to any city.”

Within a week they had captured all the English forts surrounding the city. In July 1429, Charles VII was solemnly crowned king with Joan standing by as a witness. In May 1430, the commander of the city accidentally raised the drawbridge while Joan and many of her soldiers were still outside. She was pulled from her horse and made a prisoner of war. Charles VII and his advisors did nothing to try to rescue her. The English, on the other hand, were desperate to get their hands on her.

Imagine how you would feel in Joan’s place: a young woman not yet out of your teens, unable to read or write and without any formal religious training of any kind, being examined and questioned about fine points of religion, faith, theology, and the church by men determined to find something with which to condemn you. Yet Joan stood firm because God held her up. He was her defense and her strong tower, and He gave her the wisdom and the words to answer every question. The record of her trial leaves little room to doubt either her absolute devotion to God or the courage with which she stood for Him.

Reflect & Pray

1. When was the last time you demonstrated courage? Write about that time and how it made you feel.

2. What convictions and passion do you have that would cause you to stand against all odds?

3. What do you think about the voices that Joan of Arc heard? Do you believe people hear God’s voice today? Why or why not?

4. Is there a cause for which you would consider giving up your career, wealth, even your life? Write your reasons for doing so.

Dear Lord, when considering Joan of Arc, her courage is almost unbelievable. I know you empower men and women to do incredible things in your name. Please empower me for your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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