Harriet: Liberation Courage Because God Goes With - Black Church (Deuteronomy 31:6)

In the heart of the American South, amidst the whispers of the cotton fields and the weight of countless shackles, Harriet Tubman emerged as a beacon of hope. Imagine her standing at the edge of a vast, dark swamp, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant cries of despair echoing in the night. Each step she took toward freedom was not merely a physical journey but a sacred pilgrimage fueled by an indomitable courage, rooted in the promise of God’s unwavering presence.

Harriet often recited the words of Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” These words were a lifeline, a divine assurance that transcended the fear of slave catchers lurking in the shadows, the treacherous swamps threatening to swallow her whole, and the profound darkness that clouded her path. She was not alone; God was with her, guiding her through every perilous encounter.

Picture Harriet, her heart racing, leading a small group of escaped slaves beneath a star-studded sky, each twinkling light a reminder of the God who parted the Red Sea. With every whispered prayer, she drew strength from the belief that the God who liberated Israel was accompanying her, urging her onward. It was this divine companionship that sustained her, turning her fear into fortitude.

As we reflect on her journey, let us remember that the same God who walked alongside Harriet Tubman walks with us in our struggles. Whether we face personal trials, societal injustices, or the weight of our own fears, we are never forsaken. The liberation God who stood by Harriet now calls upon us to be courageous, reminding us: He is with us, always.