The impetus for this post was a video clip on social media. The author of the original is unknown.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” That verse is not a suggestion, it’s a command. It’s not saying if you feel like it or if it’s easy, convenient, or enjoyable, no, it says stand firm, be courageous, be strong. That means no matter what’s coming against you, you don’t back down. You rise up in faith, knowing who your God is. There may be storms around you right now, the winds are blowing, the waves are crashing and everything in your life feels uncertain. But let me remind you of something powerful, God is still in control. You’re not standing on shaky ground, you’re standing, by faith, on the solid rock of the Creator God of the Universe.
A brave faith doesn’t mean fear disappears. It means that, despite your fear and uncertainty, you press forward in the name Christ. It means waking up, getting up, gearing up, stepping up and declaring, even if you don’t see the way or the means, “I trust the One who loves me and leads me.” That’s what true faith looks like. Always remember that whom God directs, He protects.
The command to be strong is not wishful thinking. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” If you can do all things, you can do any thing, I mean, you can do any single thing in the strength Christ provides. Don’t let your trials and failures define you. Don’t let them break you. Don’t allow fear to cancel your calling to blur God’s promises. Every bad thing Satan would use to destroy you, God would use to develop you. He’s molding resilience within you, establishing a faith that won’t crumble.
Go ahead. Tell God about the mountain that you are facing and that is stirring fear within you. He’s listening. Pour out your heart. Then…then, tell yourself that God is bigger, stronger, greater, and higher than the mountain.
FLM