be strong and courageous Archives

September 30, 2024September 30, 2024

9.30.24. Comfort

2 Cor 1 God of all comfort

If anyone has suffered greatly it is Paul. He has walked the road of suffering so he might bring the gospel to others. He knows the Corinthians personally and he is aware of how they have come to know Christ. He also knows their strengths and weaknesses. Where is our heart? Do we know others so well that we can speak with honesty to them about their weaknesses and their strengths? The other side of this coin is to ask ourselves if we have such close communion with others that we can share our own needs with them as Paul has done in this letter? What characteristic of God can we share with others who are suffering?

Paul now speaks to these precious friends in Corinth to remind them of God’s comfort when they face suffering. In another letter we read: be strong and courageous and that is what Paul is telling these Corinthians about how he has faced suffering. “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” Why does God reveal that character quality to us? Paul answers that by saying it is so we can in turn comfort others as they face sufferings.

Who today needs this message?

May 14, 2022May 5, 2022

Job and the Trials of Life

Job 1-4 A Blameless Man

God takes our worldview and our way of life seriously. Job is a central character that epitomizes his faith-filled life that not only lived by faith but was an example of that to the surrounding community and his family. Although his story is one of multiple tragedies, he excelled in how he faced them.

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord.” That was Job’s life; his strength came from God as he faced each succeeding tragedy. Would that God speak into our lives the same way? William Gurnall continues to explain that although we face sudden alarm and other thoughts sent to dismay us, we are to march on and be strong with courage.

We can perform with excellence just as Job. First, we must choose to “be strong,” not just physically but by taking our direction from the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty. It is the power of His might that will sustain us. Job lived by that, which is a challenge to us.

Satan thought this would be a “slam-dunk” exercise, but Job’s character would pass the test just as God reminded him. Truth: God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. [1Co 10:13]

How about us?

February 27, 2020

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1 be strong2a Joshua 1-3 “Be Strong and Courageous”

As Moses concluded his address to the nation and in particular to Joshua, he noted the same words that God would speak to Joshua in the first chapter: “Be strong and courageous.” Joshua had seen the Red Sea opening and now would see the Jordan open as well. God wanted Joshua to know that He can be trusted but also that Joshua needed, in turn, to trust Him.

God knows us inside and out, and He knew that Joshua faced an intimidating job. Up until this time, he had been a servant’s servant to Moses. But, like any man or woman facing what seems an impossible task, there lurks the fear of the unknown. Joshua recalled the land he had seen 40+ years before, but would it look the same now? Would there be those same giants he had seen before? Would the people follow his leadership?

God encouraged Joshua to know that no matter where his foot would fall, God would be with him and never forsake him. God told him to remain steadfast immovable, just as Paul wrote. To a day, Joshua remained faithful. He reminded the Israelites; “be strong!” He never took credit for all of the blessings but reminded the people that it was the Lord who drove out the great and mighty nations.

Joshua is God’s hero. I hope he is yours too. Remember Isaiah’s words “when you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. For I am the Lord your God; your deliverer…” [Is 43]