Be Strong: A Call to Resilience in Faith

The Charge to Be Strong

Deuteronomy 31:23 states, And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. Moses reminded Joshua that to lead God’s people successfully, he had to be strong.

You cannot thrive in ministry without strength. Why? Because the battle we face is not against flesh and blood. We are up against an opponent greater than this world—Satan and his devils. As believers, we must be strong if we wish to live for God and fulfill His will for our lives. But what does it mean to live this way?

Determination: The First Step

First, being strong means to be determined. Determination says you will not quit, no matter how hard it gets. It means finding a way when there seems to be no way. Quit is not in the vocabulary of a determined believer. This unwavering resolve keeps us moving forward, even if it means facing death to fulfill God’s purpose.

You will only succeed in serving God if you are determined not to let sin, life’s troubles, and obstacles deter you from becoming what He wants you to be.

Enthusiasm: The Spirit of Strength

Second, being strong means to be spirited. A little enthusiasm can go a long way! We ought to be enthusiastic about our service to God. Enthusiasm is contagious. You’d be surprised how others will want to join you in serving God if you show excitement about it.

When you are enthusiastic, people will be drawn to your passion. They will want to be part of what you are doing for God.

Toughness: Facing Challenges Head-On

Third, being strong means to be tough. You can't complain about how hard it is to serve God and expect to succeed. Stop whining about the challenges. Instead, be tough and face the great obstacles that only an omnipotent God can help you overcome.

When you refuse to let whining be part of your journey, your life becomes a beacon for others to emulate. They will see your strength and want to follow your example.

Resolution: A Firm Commitment

Fourth, being strong means to be resolved. You will not be strong for God if you think there is a better life than living for Christ. You must be resolved that the greatest life is the one lived for Him.

Don't get distracted by the allure of this world. Stay focused on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

Resilience: The Power to Rise Again

Fifth, being strong means to be resilient. Strength means getting back up when you are knocked down. It means that failure does not write the final chapter of your life. Instead, you get up and try again until success becomes your story.

You must be strong enough to rise after every setback. Each time you fall, you have the power to stand again.

The Decision to Be Strong

The key to being strong is understanding that it is a decision. When you flip the phrase be strong, you see that it can be read as “strong be.” In other words, strength becomes part of who you are; you choose to be strong.

You choose to rise again. You choose to be tough. You choose to be enthusiastic. You choose to be determined. Being strong means you don’t need others to motivate you. The love of Christ constraineth us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Fall in love with Christ! Your love for Him will empower you to choose strength, regardless of the challenges life throws your way.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Strength

In conclusion, being strong is not just a suggestion; it is a command. It is a call to action. We must embody determination, enthusiasm, toughness, resolution, and resilience.

Let us embrace the strength that God offers us. Let us be strong in our faith, unwavering in our commitment, and relentless in our pursuit of His will.

Remember, the journey may be tough, but with God by our side, we can overcome any obstacle. So, let’s rise up and be strong together!

Learn more about traditional biblical teachings here.