Strength and Courage
Posted on April 19, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“Without a heart transformed by the grace of Christ, we just continue to manage external and internal darkness.” ~ Chandler
When I consider the challenges I face on a daily basis… obstacles like doubt, fear, anxiety, temptation, and pride, I become keenly aware of my weakness and how sufficient God’s grace really is. Jon Bloom tells a story of Joshua describing how He must depend on God in facing his enemies. In the story, several young men are trying ‘one up’ each other about what they would do in battle. Joshua, startling them when he steps into the light of their fire, begins talking of the fears that cause his heart to melt as he has faced great armies. Bloom writes, “Then Joshua looked up at us and said, ‘That’s why the Lord has had to tell me many times to be strong and courageous. He knows the fears I’m vulnerable to. And what I’ve learned is this: it requires real strength both to remember what the Lord has promised to do for us and to move my trust off myself and back on him. And it requires real courage to act on what the Lord’s promises tell me and not what my doubting fears tell me. It takes strength to trust the Lord and courage to obey him.’”
To those of us like Joshua who understand our vulnerabilities, Paul proclaims, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19) How vast those riches are, and they are all available to each one of us whose faith is in Jesus, having put on His righteousness. When I think back over all the obstacles I have faced, I can see where I stumbled being blinded by my own pride; and where God abundantly provided because I entrusted myself to Him and relied on His Word.
What is it that you need today, maybe even this moment…? I pray you hear the Word of God to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:9) Trust His Word and He will see you through everything.
Choose wisely…
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:7-8)
Praying you choose Christ today
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.
The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18|You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” – Alexander MacLaren
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. Psalm 119:43
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