“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 ESV
Life is full of struggles and trials. The Greek Stoics used to speak of being passive to all things, accepting them as they are. The world today tells us to become self-willed and get over it on our own. The Scriptures, however, tell a different story.
We are nothing and have nothing without God.
We know that we are nothing and have nothing without God. We do not have the strength to press on on our own. Yes, we may exist through our future time of being in this life, but true strength is different.
True strength is not only the ability to press on throughout time, but to do what is profitable in the midst of where we find ourselves.
True strength is not only the ability to press on throughout time, but to do what is profitable in the midst of where we find ourselves.
To exist for the glory of God, despite hardships, is truly a beautiful life.
Many people exist, but this is not courage. To exist is to continue to be as you are. However, to exist with purpose and fight is a life worth noting. To exist for the glory of God, despite hardships, is truly a beautiful life. The famous stoic Seneca once said, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” Trials reveal the true beauty of the Holy Spirit within us.
Anyone can complain when trials come. Anyone can quit when times get tough. Anyone can voice their opinions, even though they remain in fear and neglect to try what others are doing.
The self-willed can press past hardship to make lots of money, but many times they forsake their morals or calling. Many may create a successful business, but how many forsake their families in the process?
It is only in the power of the Holy Spirit that we can press on and press forward toward that which is both for God and will further His Kingdom. The self-willed can press past hardship to make lots of money, but many times they forsake their morals or calling. Many may create a successful business, but how many forsake their families in the process?
The courage to press on is more than doing something good; it is doing that which is good, which is for God.
The courage to press on is more than doing something good; it is doing that which is good, which is for God. Secular citizens can do good things, but for the wrong reasons. They can contribute and donate billions of dollars towards charity, but it is to boost their ego. Check their lives and see how close they are to family, friends, and the Lord. One, if not all, suffer. This is a tragedy, but it is not uncommon.
The courage to press on is not only to begin a pursuit but to continue in it.
Therefore, the courage to press on is not only to begin a pursuit but to continue in it.
We idolize the vision that we had for our lives, not necessarily in its end, but by the means of getting to the end.
Too many times, we forsake the way when it gets difficult. We idolize the vision that we had for our lives, not necessarily in its end, but by the means of getting to the end. When we put so strongly a viewpoint on the means we think and desire, we are doubtful to get to the end. This is why many fall away from the faith.
God does not take pleasure when we suffer, but He uses it for a greater purpose.
Many have the idea of getting to Heaven with ease and comfort. Little do they know that the Christian life is filled with suffering. This suffering is for a greater good and purpose. God does not take pleasure when we suffer, but He uses it for a greater purpose. Just as His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was without sin yet was crucified, so too is our lives. We can never do or be perfect like Christ in this life, but our suffering can lead towards a higher meaning when we are both found in Christ and trust that God is working all things out.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:12-16 NKJV).
We must not allow suffering or hardship to deteriorate or drift us from the way. We must continue down the way, no matter what is to come.
We must not allow suffering or hardship to deteriorate or drift us from the way. We must continue down the way, no matter what is to come. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV).
The Holy Spirit is the One Who gives us the courage to stand for the Truth amid deception; to love amid hate; to be the Light amid darkness; to be joyful in times of suffering; to have peace amid calamity; to endure despite failure.
When we know God, God’s Spirit lives inside us. We have the power and strength from On High. The Holy Spirit is the One Who gives us the courage to stand for the Truth amid deception; to love amid hate; to be the Light amid darkness; to be joyful in times of suffering; to have peace amid calamity; to endure despite failure. It is the Holy Spirit Who gives us the courage to press on and the power to remain in the Will of God.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV). We are called to stand firm in the faith and to be strong. Not in our own strength, but in the power of Him Who raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead.
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1 ESV). The wicked will continually seek to cover up their sins. They will desire to hide in the shadows of their carnality (if they do not associate with those who flaunt it so proudly). We, however, are called to remain bold and courageous.
If we are pressed by the ungodly, we remain bold. If calamity comes, we stand firm. If adversity follows, we endure. If we are accused, we remain calm. If we suffer, we set our eyes on God, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
If we are pressed by the ungodly, we remain bold. If calamity comes, we stand firm. If adversity follows, we endure. If we are accused, we remain calm. If we suffer, we set our eyes on God, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Naturally, our internal state seeks comfort, but comfort is not rest.
“I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 ESV). Christ is the Reason we have the courage to press on. The majority of people quit when things get tough. Naturally, our internal state seeks comfort, but comfort is not rest.
Rest is remaining at peace in our situation and God’s Power and timing to deliver and help us. Comfort makes us complacent, apathetic, lethargic, and lazy. Rest makes us peaceful, present, and grateful. Rest is only found in God. Comfort is found in the things of this world.
Rest is remaining at peace in our situation and God’s Power and timing to deliver and help us. Comfort makes us complacent, apathetic, lethargic, and lazy. Rest makes us peaceful, present, and grateful. Rest is only found in God. Comfort is found in the things of this world.
We are not called to live comfortable lives that are filled with ease. We are called to be at rest and to endure all things for the sake of Christ.
We are not called to live comfortable lives that are filled with ease. We are called to be at rest and to endure all things for the sake of Christ. We must look “unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:2-3 NKJV).
May the Holy Spirit give us the strength to press on through our season, our situation, our hurt, our suffering, our strife, our temptation, our failings, our weaknesses, our misguided viewpoints, our overambitious timeline, our disappointments, our selfishness, and our sin.
May the Holy Spirit give us the strength to press on through our season, our situation, our hurt, our suffering, our strife, our temptation, our failings, our weaknesses, our misguided viewpoints, our overambitious timeline, our disappointments, our selfishness, and our sin. May God grace us with the remembrance that “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 NKJV).
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the One Who gives us boldness and courage to endure the race set before us. Only in Your power, Holy Spirit, can we finish the race and keep the faith. God, we pray for a fresh touch upon our lives. Give us newness of life, by Your Spirit. Touch us with a renewed mind that is filled with peace. God, we know that we are saved when we have received Your Spirit through the Blood of Christ. We thank You that we don’t have to live our life alone. No matter what comes, You are with us to the end of the age. God, we thank You for Your Word which brings forth truthful promises. You are a God Who cannot lie, and we believe You will complete the work that You have begun in us. Guide our hearts and minds, and direct our steps, God. We place our hope and trust in You, the God of Love, Grace, and Truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lance VanTine