Be Strong and Courageous by Dr. Lynnette Simm
Any time we have a new adventure or journey to endure, God says to us, “Be strong and courageous.” In Joshua 1, God explained to Joshua why he needed to be both strong and courageous because Joshua would need to be physically and morally strong to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua’s moral resolve meant that he would need to follow the Torah and make sure his followers did the same. Finally, emotional strength and courage would be needed so Joshua would not be terrified or stressed while he led the tribes of Israel into unknown, and possibly hostile territory.
Recently, I had to watch as my mom struggled to be strong and courageous. She’s has been battling cancer for the last two years, but just in the last month had to have her kidney removed. The surgery was more invasive than expected and the recovery more difficult, given her other medical issues. But the Lord spoke to her and said, “Be strong and courageous and I will be with you always.”
With help from doctors, my dad, and from us all, she continues to heal and rehab. We are all called to endure things in our lives that we feel are impossible to live through. Physical, moral, and emotional traumas may seem like they are going to crush us, but the Lord says He will never forsake us or leave us. God promises in Deuteronomy 33:25 that He will give us enough strength for ALL our days. This verse struck me when I first read it because I just thought, “Wow, I will have strength to handle everything, every day of my life!” It’s a promise.
Today, may you feel the Lord’s hand of strength, courage, and love.
“The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
Lynnette, thank you for your words of encouragement. Keeping your mom in our prayers as you daily trust God’s strength and promises.