Be Strong and Courageous

“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.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 (also see Joshua 1:9)

God does not call us without enabling us.

There are good reasons for us to be strong: God's promise (Joshua 1:5-6), a sure victory; God's Word (Joshua 1:7-8), a safe guide; God's presence (Joshua 1:9), a sustaining power.

Being courageous is tough! It’s easy to be a coward and hide your feelings and beliefs and go along with the crowd. But courageous people “stand their ground!” and accept comments directed at them. Courageous people are willing to tell someone no even when their friends are saying yes. Courageous people aren’t afraid of the jeers, laughter, or put-downs they might receive. Being courageous doesn’t mean they enjoy the attacks; rather, they aren’t AFRAID of receiving them. It takes courage to be a Christian in today’s world. Try being courageous for God today and be willing to stand up for what you believe is right. – “1 Minute Bible”

I included this excerpt above about what it means to be a courageous person because it not only convicted me of being a timid Christian at times, but also because it spurred me on to be that courageous Christian God calls us to be.

This year a few of my friends started a chapter of Bound for Life in Iowa City. We would go to an abortion clinic and pray. Well obviously we were verbally attacked by many, but also encouraged by others. But the point of this story I am sharing is that after participating in this one time I was so afraid that I refused to do it again. I am so grateful to have come across this excerpt in the “1 Minute Bible” because it helped me realize how I was not fully obeying Christ.

My prayer for this group is that we become so in love with the Lord that we do not hesitate to stand up for Him when circumstances call for it. Let us never be afraid of the enemy, but remember that we are protected by God’s right hand.

Blessings,
Shannon

Just like this song says, when we are weak, He makes us strong! :)
“In Me” – Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhygM116OuM