Be strong and take courage! ?

Sometimes we can feel such helplessness in the face of this world’s needs, particularly right now…So many people have experienced utter devastation during COVID-19. Faced with suffering, the temptation is great to give up. We may think, frustrated, “Lord, how could I, of all people, change something about all of this?”

This is what Joshua, successor of the great Moses, felt when facing the immense task awaiting him: conquering Canaan…through Jericho, which he had to destroy. That’s when the Lord powerfully encouraged him:

“‘This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” (the Bible, Joshua 1:9, NLT)

You’ve decided to serve God, despite your apprehensions, and I commend you! Know that this order that God gave to Joshua also applies to you, you who perhaps tremble before opening your mouth to share your faith or to lay hands on the sick…

You have no other choice but…to strengthen yourself in the Lord and go forth, for this order comes to you from the almighty God who is and will be wherever you go. Every time you’re torn by fear and think:

• I’m useless.
• I don’t know my Bible well enough.
• That’s the pastors’ and evangelists’ job.
• I don’t have any special giftings.
• I myself am sick…

Listen to God’s voice encouraging you: “Don’t be afraid to open your mouth for Me, to lay hands on the sick, to give someone a Bible…Haven’t I said that I would be with you every day? It’s not by your strength or courage, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” (see Zechariah 4:6-7)

Remember that it’s by stepping out in faith that God will lead you to accomplish greater things. Indeed, the Lord doesn’t need superheros…He just needs faithful people.

Here’s a beautiful example of this from Matthew, one of our readers, who took a bold step of faith and obedience during this pandemic:

“The Lord truly has had His hand on my life during this recent season. I see it in the things He has been doing for me and those around me since this virus issue began. A good friend of mine was stricken by the coronavirus. Shawn had pre-existing health issues, felt ill March 12th, went in for testing, and on March 16th learned he was positive for COVID-19. He was taken to a larger hospital in a nearby city and was placed in the ICU. Sadly, on March 30th, after 12 days of ICU care, Shawn passed away with his wife Jennifer at his side. Shawn was a friend to many and all ages, colours & creeds. I take comfort in knowing that just before he was sedated so they could intubate him, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Saviour.

Before Shawn passed, my nephew asked me if there was something I could do for Shawn and for our family. He and a lot of my family & friends know that I am a born-again Christian. I am not a pastor or preacher, but a disciple following where I am led…and I felt strongly led to do a FB live video, since that way I could reach most, if not all, of our family…I go on each night @ 9:30 pm to read Psalm 91 over all who tune in. I’ve also been asked to pray for people and situations, along with First Nation and Tribal communities in Alberta, in Canada and in the United States. 

I pray and anoint myself with oil each night before I do the video, and I ask the Lord for His Word to come through for what He wants shared with His people…I want to be one in whom He is well-pleased. I’ve prayed the following many times: “Lord, I will go where You want me to go, I will stay where You want me to stay, I will say what You want me to say, and I will do what You want me to do. Help me to be faithful & obedient, and as Your Word says, help me to walk by faith and not by sight, in Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.”

I give the Lord all the praise & glory, for I am nothing without Him. I pray for each one of you reading this that the Lord is ever-present in your life and calling. I pray that in this reset we are going through that we learn to put God back where He belongs, as the priority in our lives. God bless you and keep you.” Your brother in Christ, Matthew Willier (Sucker Creek First Nation, Alberta, Canada)

Yes, God is empowering you to go forth in His strength!

May your day be richly blessed!