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
God calls us to be bold in this verse. He tells us to be strong and courageous. Yet, when we see these words, how often do we think of worldly things that have merely been risky behaviors? Whether they benefitted us or not, what typically comes to mind are things that were likely risky actions that may not have been meant for us.
When God calls us to act in strong and courageous ways, it often looks different than we expect. They often go against the grain of this world or are the things the world tells us are weak or not widely accepted. Sometimes, being strong and courageous is sitting in silence with God or not taking a risk the world is asking us to take. Sometimes its in the things we don’t like to think about as strong or courageous because they’re uncomfortable-is He asking us to give up a habit we cling to or add something to our life that those we surround ourselves with don’t see as cool. Sometimes, it’s to be bold and outspoken in our faith which I think sometimes stirs more fear in us than risks that could cause us physical pain.
How many times has God called us to be strong or courageous have we thought I can’t do that? Yet, we can, because with Him, we are those things. He does not ask us to do anything He has not equipped us for. On top of that, He makes a huge promise because He knows our human doubt and fear as well as the trials we’ll face in these actions. He promises us to be with us the entire way and to NEVER leave us. That promise alone has the power to raise strength and courage within us.
When He leads us to it, He will lead us through it. So know you have the exact strength and courage you need for whatever you face and the peace of knowing you are never alone in it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Fill me with Your Spirit of courage and strength. Give me the wisdom to use them for the things You have called me to do. Help me to remember to lean into and on You for that is what replenishes me and keeps me moving forward boldly. How grateful I am to have a God who provides what I need to walk in this world and who loves me enough to do it with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen