Devotional: Be Strong

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.              -1 Corinthians 16:13-14 

Keeping things close to your chest, being safe and relaxed is something, I think, all humans do. It comes natural to know we have something to fall back onto when we are troubled. Man caves, she sheds, even just having a roof over our heads, we all want the security and comfort of knowing it is there. When we step out of that zone, it is hard to be courageous. Asking someone out, trying something new, skydiving, there are all sorts of things to fall back into comfort and hide.

From bible.com

But God told us to be courageous. Being strong and courageous is often thought of with Joshua. But it is used a lot, the author of Psalm 27:14 added wait for the Lord. Paul added being alert and standing firm in the faith. We usually look at this quote as an encouragement, something to build your confidence up with, but God gave it as a command. Joshua 1:9 God reminded Joshua that it was a command to be strong and courageous. It isn't a choice Christians have, it is an command from God.

Paul added "Do everything in love." Indeed, with love like God's, we should be a mighty and strong army of believers. Where ever we go, people should look and wonder how we are so loving, and want a piece of this. Love is dangerous, but we have faith in God, who is the best love, and we can face the world with strength and courage. We can change the whole world by doing everything we do if we do it with a strong and courageous love.

Lord, help me go out this day with firm footing in you. Give me courage and strength to love like only you can do.