You've just got to love this! Be strong and very courageous!
Surgery, tests, death of a loved one, a new job, a new school, first year of college, whatever your next step in life or troubles and trials may be…Be strong and courageous.
There will be many situations in life where when we try to look ahead or think too much or just plain ole get scared of what lies ahead. Have faith. God said that He will never leave you of forsake you.
I think about different circumstances in life for others and myself. Recently, doctors told my friend that he only has seven to 14 days to live. He has lived out and continues to live out the motto to “Be strong and courageous”. It has now been over two months, and Mike is still sharing God’s love, being a daddy to his precious children and husband to his beautiful wife. (I wrote and posted a devotion about him on February 22nd) I’m sure Mike gets scared and quite reflective, but he knows that his life is in God’s hands Mike will continue to live out loud for God and be used by God as long as He has him on this earth. Mike had the opportunity to have probably the best Easter ever. He baptized his little girl. Glory! What a blessing! Seeing Mike reminds me to do like Tim McGraw’s song says to do…”Live like you were dying”. Life is a bit sweeter when we do.
Troubles will come, but be strong and courageous. Find the glory through it all.
Another recent event took place. My mom’s youngest sister passed away last week. She was in her mid-sixties and cancer took her home to Jesus. Aunt Jeanette had lived a hard life. Troubles and trials did come her way in life, but there were glorious times scattered throughout and in the end. She has two children who blessed her with grandchildren to love on and be loved by. In her last days, relationships were restored, laughter was had, and love was abundant.
The reason for a funeral is not pleasant. But Aunt Jeanette’s funeral service was truly a beautiful blessing. Her life was honored. Memories were brought to mind of good times. Even though her service was on a Thursday afternoon, I felt like I was in Sunday church. The Hospice minister and her former pastor spoke wonderful words about her and her Savior. Their talks were refreshing and excitable. “Amen” was said throughout their speaking by not only them, but the congregation too. I could just imagine the sweet smile on her face and the sparkle in her blue eyes as she is sitting there at the feet of Jesus listening to His stories, and then glancing down on her remembrance service with a smile on her face as God’s word was being spoken. Family members and friends who haven’t seen each other in a while were reunited. It was wonderful to see everyone together. I just know that my aunt is cheering us on to stand firm in our walk with Christ and to be courageous, because one day we will all be reunited with her in heaven. Glory!
Right now, students across our nation are being tested in their schools. Whether those tests are truly the written and standardized test they are partaking or the regularly “daily tests in life”, they need to be reminded and remember of those words in Deuteronomy 31:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.
It is said by Moses again in Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Joshua 1:6, “Be strong and courageous.”
Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
"Live out loud" Mike
April 17