“Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!”
– Psalm 31:24
God never promises an easy life for His followers. In fact, He promises quite the opposite. The Bible never promises God won’t permit us to endure trials and suffering beyond our ability to handle. Indeed, quite the opposite! However, the Bible tells us that as followers of Jesus, adopted sons and daughters of Almighty God, we can be strong and courageous nonetheless, because God is with us, God is in us, and God will prevail!
Christ-followers can draw strength and courage from knowing the end of our story: we will spend eternity in the presence and comfort of King Jesus and our Heavenly Father. We can also draw strength and courage from knowing the end of the world’s story: Christ will return in victorious judgment over every evil and creation will be renewed in perfection and holiness.
Christ-followers can draw strength and courage from knowing that in every trial and every fearful situation, Jesus is with us. He has promised to be with His followers every moment of every day and He is. Walking with us through the valley of the shadow of death is the One Who endured all suffering and overcame sin and death through the cross and the empty tomb. He understands our agony and provides comfort and courage.
Christ-followers can also draw strength and courage from knowing that God the Holy Spirit lives within us. We are truly united with Jesus Christ in Him. We have resources within us far beyond our natural abilities and endurance, once we stop trying to grit our teeth and endure purely by our own strength. We are united, strengthened, and transformed by God’s Spirit within us.
Whatever you may be going through (now or in the future), be strong, take courage, and wait for the Lord!