“...He said to me, 'my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest upon me." 2 CORINTHIANS 12:8-9, NIV

He Says I Am... Strong & Courageous

When we think of a strong person, we often equate that person to be someone who can do things all by themselves, who is young and physically fit, or who can keep a tight rein on their emotions in overwhelming times. The wisdom of God usually contradicts the wisdom of man. Our strength should always be tied to His sufficiency. When we attempt to do difficult and challenging things with our own strength and ability alone, we will quickly feel like we are not ENOUGH causing us to lose momentum and burnout. Scripture says, "the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Our physical human weakness gives in. We become tired. Yet the Holy Spirit in us is strong. He will provide MORE THAN ENOUGH strength for your day.

Too often our natural reactions and emotions, such as fear, try to take control of our thoughts. We forget that He has given us authority to be strong and courageous in the middle of our dilemmas. He will guide us in every step of our life and be the support and dependability we so desperately need. We can see an example of this in Joshua

God was giving Joshua a new assignment. He had formerly been serving God by being Moses’ assistant. Now things had changed. Moses had died and it was time for Joshua to take on a new role. In his dilemma, he wondered how he could ever fill the shoes of such a great man. How could Joshua be strong and courageous like the LORD was commanding him to be? God had been speaking to Joshua prior to this moment. Moses had even placed his hands on him before he died, and God had already commissioned him. But now the time had come for Joshua to courageously step out in obedience and be strong. He could do this only because he had God’s presence and His promises.

In Joshua 1, God told him to be “strong and courageous” four different times. He was also to meditate on the scriptures day and night and be careful to obey the commands of the LORD. Then he would have success, and his way would be made prosperous. Joshua’s strength and courage came from the Lord’s abundant supply. In the same way, we can be strong and courageous when we feel weak and depleted if we lean into God, because HE IS ENOUGH!

When you are struggling with the thought that you are not strong ENOUGH or courageous ENOUGH, remember your strength comes from the Lord. The most valuable strength we have is the kind that is continually rekindled by His never-ending supply. It is the strength that is dependent upon His omnipotent character.

Further Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 14, 23; 34:9; Joshua 1:1-9; 1 Chronicles 28:20

If you would like to be able to do a complete study of Chapter Ten, order a copy of Enough by contacting Empowered Women's Ministry at empoweredwomen@pcg.org or 817.554.5900 ext. 371. Available also at pcg.org/resources or Amazon.