Hero Inspiration
“It has always been the prime function of mythology and rite to supply the symbols that carry the human spirit forward, in counteraction to those other constant human fantasies that tend to tie it back.”[1] Many biblical characters inspire us to help us move toward God and His kingdom’s purposes. One such narrative character and possible hero is David. He serves as an excellent example of God using an ordinary person to do extraordinary things for the kingdom while being transformed in the process. Like Campbell’s archetype hero, David was flawed, making him relatable to other “ordinary” folks. Following Cambell’s framework of the hero’s journey, we can explore David’s transformation as a symbol to help move us forward.
First, David was called to an adventure. Even though his brothers appeared better suited to the role, God told Samuel to anoint David, and the Spirit “came powerfully on David from that day forward.”[2] This moment marked the beginning of David’s journey, setting him apart for a purpose greater than himself. Like many heroes in Campbell’s framework, David’s call came unexpectedly and to someone society deemed unworthy. His story encourages us to embrace God’s call, even when it feels overwhelming or illogical.[3]
Next, David faced trials and challenges that tested his character and resolve. These external and internal struggles deepened his character and perseverance. He protected his flock from a lion and a bear and later faced the giant Philistine, Goliath, with only a sling and five smooth stones.[4] Yet David’s challenges didn’t end there. He endured the jealousy of King Saul, his mentor, who sought to kill him.[5] He faced years of exile, betrayal, and personal failures, including the infamous incident with Bathsheba. Despite his faults, God chose to use David. These trials shaped him into a “man after God’s own heart” and prepared him to lead as king over Israel.[6]
Campbell’s words resonate here: “But whether small or great, and no matter what the stage or grade of life, the call rings up the curtain, always, on a mystery of transfiguration – a rite, or moment, of spiritual passage, which, when complete, amounts to a dying and a birth. The familiar life horizon has been outgrown; the old concepts, ideals, and emotional patterns no longer fit; the time for the passing of a threshold is at hand.”[7] David’s life reflects this transformative journey. He faced moments that forced him to grow beyond his former self, abandoning old patterns and ideas to embrace God’s greater plan for his life.
Finally, David reintegrated into his world with the knowledge acquired during his journey. He lived out his calling in service to God and the Israelites, ruling as king and establishing Jerusalem as the center of worship. Through his leadership, David’s journey came full circle. The lessons learned and his transformation equipped him to fulfill his purpose. His psalms serve as timeless symbols of God’s faithfulness, inspiring countless believers.
Looking at David’s life through Campell’s framework, we clearly see how God called him, used trials to shape him, and sent him to serve the people under his influence. I can, likewise, use this framework to identify a hero’s journey in my own life. For example, God called me to be a minister of the gospel at the age of twelve. Like David, I have faced trials and challenges that tested my faith and character. I have endured the heartbreak of my daughter’s complete blindness, the betrayal of those closest to me, the devastation of divorce, and the anguish of my son’s rebellion. Yet, in all of this, God has been faithful. He has used these trials to shape my heart and transform me into the image of Jesus.
There have been many places on my journey that I never would have chosen – scenes of my life I would rather forget. Yet, I remember God’s tender care and mercy in those moments. He uses every twist and turn for our good and his glory.[8] Like flawed heroes of the past, I have mistaken discomfort for harm. I couldn’t understand how something painful could be worked for good. But Paul clears that up for us in Romans 8:29, explaining that God’s definition of good is our transformation into the likeness of Jesus.[9] That horrible thing I’d rather forget—even that—is being used to transform me. It will bring glory to God by impacting those around me.
My journey has not felt like one of a hero. Yet, who am I to name myself or choose who is qualified? God is the one who calls, shapes and sends. I am simply a willing participant in His story. I am thankful for the characters of the Bible who serve as symbols of God’s faithfulness to His children. Their stories remind me that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, no matter how flawed. Like David, we are called to step into the adventure, face the challenges, and reintegrate with the knowledge that God’s faithfulness and purpose transcend our circumstances. Though our stories may not match Campbell’s pattern, we can be inspired by the stories of flawed heroes who kept moving forward when life’s hardships threatened to hold them back.
[1] Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Third edition. Novato, CA: New World
Library, 2008, 11.
[2] 1 Samuel 16:13
[3] OpenAI. ChatGPT (Feb 6 version). February 6, 2025. https://chat.openai.com.
[4] 1 Samuel 17:37
[5] 1 Samuel 18:10
[6] 1 Samuel 13:14
[7] Campbell, 51.
[8] Romans 8:28
[9] Romans 8:29
About the Author
Mika Harry
9 responses to “Hero Inspiration”
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Mika –
One of the things I appreciate about most, if not all, of the biblical heroes is how I imagine most of them would say their journey didn’t feel like one of a hero to them. There’s a beauty and invitation for each of us in that, I think, to trust that God really is in the business of using “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27, NIV). I believe this keeps God as the hero of the story and reminds us of our dependence on him; more than that, we get to play real, meaningful roles in his story (which is amazing!).
Your statement of mistaking discomfort for harm is such a great reminder! I don’t know that we can have adventure without discomfort–that sounds more like tourism than adventure.
I’d love to know how you discern the difference between discomfort and harm. What’s your favorite practice for remaining rooted and faithful in discomfort?
Jeremiah,
That’s a great question. I don’t know if I have a complete answer. But I believe I’d consider harm to be walking in disobedience or outside of the will of God. In contrast, being in the will of God doesn’t mean we will experience comfort. In the same way that lifting weights can create discomfort as muscles build, trials can uncomfortably build our faith muscles. It may be painful but not harmful.
Mika, Thank you for sharing and reflecting on your personal journey. It is incredible how many different types of individuals can be called into the hero moment regardless of background or stature. That is where the beauty lies with God’s intervention and presence.
Building on your thoughts, what were your inflection points when placed in these positions along the journey? Has your reliance on God increased to where you are now more comfortable sitting with the discomfort or pain?
I have found myself in situations where I have asked God why, in those dark moments, and received no response, only to see the answer months or even years later.
Michael,
I have spent a lot of time frustrated on the journey – not sure what God was planning or how he would ever turn my path around. I don’t know that I’m necessarily comfortable in the pain, but I do believe, that I have learned to trust. In those moments when I don’t see what the plan is or even struggle to hear his voice, I lean into remembering. I recall those moments when He was faithful in my past. It helps me hang on to trust. Sometimes, I will even read old journals – to hold on to the moments in my life where he was faithful to provide, to heal, to redeem, or to bring me to the other side.
Mika, the time you invest in reflecting on your prior journal entries is a powerful reminder of the transformation from your past into who you are today. I haven’t journaled much, if at all, in recent years. Most of mine are from my time in the service on deployments or stationed overseas.
Hi Mika,
Most of us, in our current reality, do not see ourselves as a hero in our own story. I do see how your ordinary turned into an unexpected adventure and slowly I see how it is also a transformative pathway. God is using you because you are leaning and it’s transcending beyond the current reality.
There are archetypes in the Hero’s journey and I’m curious to know whether you had THE MENTOR, Campbell talks about, one who is older, wiser, that provides guidance. Was there, is there one in your life to support and guide you as a modern day hero?
Judith,
I have been incredibly blessed to have a mentor in Tammy for the past twenty years. She has been an example, provided guidance, and called out my gifts and talents in moments when I couldn’t see them. One thing I have learned about the mentor is being consistent and steady, especially in storms. I hope to be that for someone else someday.
Well, God gave you one of the best mentors, Mika! I’m so happy to hear about that. I believe you have already been a mentor to many, even if it’s in small bits or at the workplace. I just see you as someone who naturally mentors others with who you are.
I appreciate many aspects of your post! King David is such a great example that aligns perfectly with our reading this week. Yet what I liked even better is your last paragraph. Isn’t it interesting that when we watch superhero movies or read stories about heroes that inspire us, it’s almost as if becoming a hero requires doing something extraordinary?
One of my heroes in the Bible is the thief on the cross. It is amazing how someone’s life could be so messed up that they had to put this guy up for crucifixion (pretty bad, right?). Yet, he defends Jesus, who’s friends and followers all abandoned him, while soldiers were mocking him, and how all of our sin separated Jesus from His Father. How amazing that a criminal has recognized a Savior and encourages Him while both are on the cross! His story now is in the Bible!
Could it be possible that the true hero is not someone who has done something extraordinary, but someone who recognizes that the real hero is the one who sees a Savior and submits their life to Him while performing good deeds in silence, known only to God?