Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Be strong and courageous.
Some definitions say not easily injured or subdued.
Well established, a strong fort.
I become injured and subdued with people I don’t want to offend or have conflict with.
Instead of dealing with the problem, I often remain silent.
Subdued.
Injured.
Fearful of a conflict that feels like a no-win situation.
The Lord commands me to be bold and courageous, not to fear.
He is with me in broken places.
He is with me in broken relationships.
Jesus is with me wherever I go.
He is with me when I make a mess of things.
- When my judgments masquerade as truth.
- When what I call truth is harsh and hurtful.
- When truth gets twisted by hurts and hang-ups.
There’s nothing He can’t mend or restore.
Nothing He can’t make new.
He turns water into wine.
A meager lunch into a feast.
He brings the dead back to life.
He makes music from my mess.
Jesus doesn't ask me to walk through troubled waters alone. Click To TweetHe goes before me.
He never leaves me.
He stills the storm.
I can be strong and courageous not because of who I am but because of Whose I am.
I can trust Him to lead me through muck and mire.
He uses all things for my good – even the ugly parts.
He doesn’t command me to do things perfectly.
He invites me to lean in and let Him bear the weight.
Faith over fear.
Courage in conflict.
Trust through the test.
It takes strength to be still.
- Make the hard call.
- Tell the truth.
- Let go of people, places and things.
- Trust the timing.
Strength supplied by a Savior.
In my weakness, He is strong.
He came to be my strength, my courage, my hope.
He doesn’t command I go alone.
With open arms He calls, “Come Follow Me.”
Follow Me through the difficulties of life.
Follow Me through desolate wastelands.
Follow Me beside still waters where I give soul rest.
Be strong.
Be courageous.
Don’t be anxious or discouraged – I’ve got this.
I am the Good Shepherd.
I am with you wherever you go.
Kay Ruleman
December 27, 2017Liz, I needed this today more than you know. We are going through a difficult time with our son and my momma heart and my “do what’s right” heart are battling. Jesus spoke to me through these words. Thank you so much for writing what God put’s on your heart.
Liz
December 27, 2017Hi Kay! Wow and thank you – your words are a gift. Without even knowing your circumstances, my mama’s heart feels for you. Will lift you and your Son up in prayer. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment – it’s words like yours that keep me writing on days I feel inadequate and unqualified. Love, prayers and blessings friend. xoxo
Emily
December 27, 2017A beautiful post, dear Liz. And as Kay mentioned, your message was very timely for me as well. Thank you for speaking with such grace and love. To God be the glory. What a comfort knowing He is with us wherever we go, and that we can be courageous because we belong to Him.
Love you, dear friend!
Liz
December 27, 2017Love you, Emily! Thank you for reading and commenting – it sincerely means a lot to me. Humbling God might use words I hope He gives me. To Him goes all the glory. Thank you for your love and support – it’s truly a gift. Blessings sister. ❤️
Kathleen Kruze
December 29, 2017This post spoke to me as well… going through some major life changes due to illness, a divorce and a move have left me feeling less than courageous. At times I feel very much alone and need to be reminded of God’s constant presence no matter if we feel Him with us or not. He IS our Good Shepherd and will watch us Wherever we go, gratefully!
Thank you for these encouraging words of wisdom, Liz. Life gets hard at times and it helps knowing good and faithful servants like you along the way. Peace and blessed 2018 ! 🙏💙🙏🎶
Liz
December 29, 2017Hi Kathleen – I always love and appreciate how honest and real you are. Life is hard. I also feel alone at times and wonder where God is, what the heck is He up to? Am I even saved? It means so much to know God used what I wrote to minister to you. I need it to – to know no matter what God is with me and nothing can snatch me from His Hand. Love you sister and praying 2018 is an amazing year for you! ❤️