What’s the bravest thing you ever did?? What gave you courage to be brave then? Do you continue to draw off of that strength or help today?
As Christians we are often called upon to endure hardships, go through trials, and face misunderstandings. It is imperative that we be strong and that we stand fast in the faith. God through His Holy Spirit has given us the strength to get us through any situation, but we must draw from it and continue in that strength day by day.
The songwriter of old said it this way, “fight, be brave against all evil; never run nor even lag behind. If you will fight for God and the right, you must keep on the firing line.”
When the Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, he spoke of the need for them to be steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. He pointed out the victory that is in Christ’s resurrection and encouraged them to go on in the power of that victory.
In chapter 16 of that first epistle, Paul gives us five principles of powerful living for Christ. He says we must be alert, be firm, be courageous, be strong, and be loving. We are to be brave in our Christian living because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. I hope you are drawing off that great strength today.
If you’d like to study more about Paul’s writing to that troubled church, check out course # 30500 by Dr. Charles Ryrie. This course on the book of First Corinthians has five lessons and teaches much about living by faith in the strength of the Lord.