Strong and Courageous
Being strong and courageous is easier said than done. The word strong is defined as able to withstand great force or pressure. Pressure is a daily struggle for everyone. The word courageous is defined as not deterred by danger or pain, brave. Being brave is hard and it is even harder when you need to be strong along with it. In Joshua 1:9 it states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Not being frightened can be difficult sometimes but we can always go to God in prayer to help us be strong and courageous.
Lots of things can be scary to us, especially things that God has called us to do. When we doubt ourselves, things can get even harder. Being courageous through these tough things God has given us can be difficult, but this is for a reason and God knows it is tough. He would not give this to you if he knew you could not do it. Therefore, he lets us come to him in prayer and he helps us find a way when we do not think we can do it.
He calls us to do difficult things for a reason. We have certain talents that we can use for these things. In Romans 8:28 it states, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This further shows that we all have a purpose, and we must be courageous enough to help others through this. In 2 Peter 1:3 it states, “His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” God has equipped us to be able to help others through his word.
For most people, going out and spreading the word involves a lot of pressure and anxiety. We must learn how to be courageous through all these trials that we go through to be ready to spread the word. Isaiah 41:10 states, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God.” God is with us always and he will always help us spread his word throughout the world. Matthew 6:27 states, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to this span of life?” Being anxious does not help us at all. It only makes things more difficult for us to be both strong and courageous.
We must push ourselves to make disciples and to go out to all the world and spread the word. Like it says in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” When it says “all nations,” it does not just mean our nation. My parents go to Peru every year to spread the word there. It is tough, but they can do it because they believe God has sent them. My youth group goes to the small town of Jena, Louisiana to host a Vacation Bible School for the children in that area. I love doing it because it is amazing seeing their faces light up and creating relationships that they will remember and hopefully change their lives. Just knowing that you could save a soul is amazing and it is so worth it.
Although being strong and courageous is difficult at times, God has given us a purpose and he will be with us all the way. He is always looking over us and we can always go to him in prayer if we need guidance along the way. We always need to push ourselves to be strong and courageous because it is so worth it in the end.
Rachel Knost