In the journey of life, each one of us encounters challenges and difficulties. They test our courage and faith, but they also provide opportunities for growth and learning. Let us explore together how we can find strength and courage in adversity through the following 5 Bible verses about strength and courage. With these verses as our guide, we can bravely face the challenges of life.
1. “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
In the journey of life, we encounter many difficult moments such as unemployment, illness, family issues, and more. We feel lonely and discouraged, as if walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Fear, helplessness, and confusion engulf us, as if all hope fades into darkness. Yet, Psalm 23:4 reassures us that even in the darkest moments, we need not fear, for God is with us. His rod and staff give us strength and comfort, enabling us to navigate hardships and face everything bravely.
During a tough period, I too found myself in the valley of the shadow of death. Work became arduous, family relationships became strained, and fear and anxiety consumed me. I felt as though I was trapped in a desolate valley with no escape in sight. However, it was precisely during this trying time that I encountered the reassuring presence of God. I remembered the verse: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). I also found solace in God’s words, “Be quiet within Me, for I am your God, your only Redeemer. You must quiet your hearts at all times and live within Me; I am your rock, your buttress. Have no other mind, but rely on Me with your whole heart and I will certainly appear to you—I am your God!” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 26). These words instilled confidence within me and provided a profound understanding that regardless of the magnitude of the challenges I face, God remains my Savior and steadfast refuge. I have learned to rely on God’s promises rather than solely rely on my own abilities. With God’s guidance, I discovered a wellspring of strength and courage that exceeded my imagination, liberating me from the grip of fear in the face of adversity. This experience served as a profound lesson, reminding me that I am never alone in navigating through difficulties, for God’s unwavering presence accompanies me every step of the way.
While the journey with God may not always be smooth, it is infused with hope and strength. As we humbly recognize our own weaknesses and wholeheartedly rely on God, He graciously bestows upon us strength and bravery we need. His guiding rod leads us out of the depths of adversity, while His comforting staff gently soothes our wounded hearts, empowering us to bravely embrace life’s challenges. Therefore, let us release our fears and worries, firmly grasp God’s hand, and resolutely walk alongside Him on this path. No matter the magnitude of the obstacles that lie before us, we can confidently place our trust in God’s promises, for He will never abandon us or forsake us.
2. The Lord Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
In the merciless world, we frequently come face to face with a myriad of challenges and hardships such as unemployment, illness, and interpersonal issues. These trials can leave us feeling anxious and unsettled, sometimes making us feel as though we can’t cope and even causing us to lose the will to go on. However, in this scripture, the Lord Jesus gives us a precious promise: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The promise of the Lord brings us peace and courage, freeing us from worry and fear. The peace given by the Lord Jesus is different from what the world offers. Worldly peace is often built on the stability and security of external conditions, but the peace given by the Lord Jesus is the inner calm and stability. This peace is not disturbed by external circumstances, not limited by time and space, but originates from our relationship with God, it is a profound inner comfort that transcends human understanding. When we learn to rely on God’s promises in difficult times and experience the peace of the Lord Jesus, our hearts are no longer filled with sorrow and fear, but with tranquility and serenity. This helps us understand that no matter what difficulties and challenges we encounter, we can rely on the power and promises of the Lord, bravely facing everything. Just as the Lord Jesus said: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). This sentence becomes a beacon in our lives, guiding us through difficult times. It reminds us that God is with us, and the peace and courage He gives us are the source of strength when we encounter hardships.
Therefore, let us cast aside all worries and fears, embrace the peace bestowed upon us by the Lord Jesus, and confront all challenges in life with confidence. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, we can trust in the promises of the Lord, for He is the Ruler and Redeemer of our lives. May the peace and courage from the Lord accompany us forever!
3. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me” (Psalm 56:3–4).
This passage powerfully conveys the author’s deep faith and unwavering dependence on God, as well as their triumphant victory over fear. Challenges and difficulties are an inevitable part of life, and at times, we may find ourselves gripped by fear and uncertainty, akin to children fearing the darkness of night. Nevertheless, as we learn to lean on God, we discover a wellspring of strength and courage within His word, empowering us to confront life’s trials head-on and overcome our fears.
In my personal journey, I have encountered numerous difficulties and challenges that stirred up feelings of fear and unease within me. One particular instance stands out in my memory: I was faced with the daunting task of delivering a crucial speech as part of my job, and the fear of public speaking gripped me tightly. Anxiety and worry consumed my thoughts as I contemplated the possibility of failure. However, amidst those apprehensive moments, the words of Psalm 56:3–4 resurfaced in my mind, prompting me to lean on God’s word and seek His assistance. I also came across God’s words: “It is very simple now: Look upon Me with your heart, and your spirit will immediately grow strong. You will have a path to practice, and I will guide your every step. My word shall be revealed to you at all times and in all places. No matter where or when, or how adverse the environment is, I will make you see clearly, and My heart shall be revealed to you if you look to Me with yours; in this manner, you will run down the road ahead and never lose your way” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 13). God’s words were full of strength and hope, giving me confidence and courage. So, I entrusted the speech into God’s hands and sought inner peace through Him. As time passed, I felt my fear gradually diminish, replaced by courage and strength. When the anticipated day of the speech finally arrived, I stood upon the stage, drawing in a deep breath, and commenced speaking. Remarkably, I discovered that fear no longer held me captive. I knew that regardless of the outcome, I had already achieved a personal victory by relying on God’s word to overcome my fear.
This experience taught me that when we rely on God in times of fear, seek His help, and confront life’s challenges with confidence, we can find strength and courage to overcome fear. Because God is the rock of our lives, the source of our reliance and trust, and He will never let us down.
4. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
This passage presents us with a precious promise: In the face of life’s challenges, we are never alone. God’s presence accompanies us, and He provides us with the strength and courage needed to confront every difficulty. When the storms of life come crashing upon us, their force may seem overwhelming, leaving us feeling incapable of weathering them alone. Helplessness, loneliness, and fear may consume us. However, as we turn to God’s word and wholeheartedly embrace the belief that He is by our side, we discover a wellspring of strength and courage that enables us to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
This scripture also serves as a profound source of encouragement for me, granting me the understanding that regardless of the difficulties I encounter, God remains by my side. I have personally endured a challenging period marked by the pressures of work, family issues, and a multitude of other obstacles that left me feeling utterly lost and powerless. Confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges, I found myself engulfed in profound fear and anxiety. I attempted to resolve these problems independently, yet each endeavor appeared to end in failure. In despair, I remembered this scripture: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). God’s promise instilled hope within me, prompting me to earnestly seek His assistance. Over time, I learned the practice of prayer, immersed myself in God’s word, and drew closer to Him, seeking His guidance and support in my daily life. While challenges persisted, I discovered a gradual calming of my heart as I leaned on God, finding renewed strength and courage. It became evident to me that I was not alone in the midst of these struggles; God was by my side, unwaveringly supporting me as I faced every difficulty.
Through this experience, I came to a profound realization of the significance of relying on God. Regardless of the magnitude of life’s challenges, we can place unwavering trust in God’s promises. He will never leave us to confront difficulties alone. His strength, mercy, and grace accompany us, empowering us with the strength and bravery needed to overcome every obstacle. As our protector and Savior, God will never forsake or abandon us.
5. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24).
Life often mirrors a demanding race, and as participants, we inevitably come across a myriad of difficulties and challenges that can occasionally leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Nevertheless, this scripture imparts a valuable lesson: When we turn our gaze towards God, we discover the wellspring of strength and courage necessary to confront any obstacle life throws our way.
I once met someone whose story deeply touched me. He was a Christian and an ordinary worker, facing numerous challenges in life. A workplace injury left him almost unable to continue working, and life became difficult. But he remembered the scripture: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24). This verse gave him confidence. He didn’t give up; his faith in God kept him going. He also came across God’s words: “The greatest wisdom is to look to God and rely on God in all things. This is not recognized by ordinary people. People all think that attending more gatherings, listening to more sermons, fellowshipping more with their brothers and sisters, forsaking more, suffering more, and paying more of a price will earn them God’s approval and salvation. They think practicing this way is the greatest wisdom, but they neglect the biggest matter: looking to God and relying on God. They regard petty human cleverness as wisdom, and ignore the ultimate effect that their actions are supposed to achieve. This is a mistake. Regardless of how much truth one understands, how many duties one has performed, how much one has experienced while performing those duties, how great or small one’s stature is, or what sort of environment one is in, what one cannot do without is that one must look to God and rely on Him in everything one does. This is the greatest sort of wisdom” (The Word, Vol. 3. The Discourses of Christ of the Last Days. Believers Must Begin by Seeing Through the World’s Evil Trends). God’s words provided him with a clear path of practice. He began to look to and rely on God, surrendering everything into God’s hands and willingly obeying God’s arrangements. With a mindset of seeking and obeying, he began looking for new job opportunities. Despite the numerous challenges, his perseverance eventually paid off. He found a new job that suited his physical condition very well. Through this ordeal, he gained the most valuable lesson: He learned to look to God and found the courage and strength to face life’s challenges. He deeply realized that looking to and relying on God in all things is the greatest wisdom.
May we all learn to look to and rely on God in times of difficulty, believing in His promises and guidance. Though difficulties may still exist in life, when we focus on seeking God’s promises, believing that God will give us strength and courage, we will overcome all obstacles and move towards the shores of victory.
Conclusion
Friends, through the scriptures and insights above, we see the power of looking to and relying on God. No matter what difficulties we encounter, as long as we look to God, rely on Him, walk with Him, and remain steadfast, we can find the strength and courage to overcome all obstacles. May we rely on God in every difficulty, receive strength from Him, continuously grow, and move towards a brighter future.
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