Philosophy View Of Be Strong And Courageous
Being strong means having the inner power to handle difficulties and not give up easily. It's about being resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks. Being courageous means facing fears and taking risks, even when something seems scary or uncertain. It involves standing up for what's right, defending oneself and others, and taking action despite challenges. Being strong and courageous together helps individuals overcome obstacles, achieve goals, support others, and contribute positively to their communities. These qualities enable people to lead by example and inspire others to be brave and resilient.
Biblical View Of Be Strong And Courageous
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9 KJV
God commands us to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid or discouraged because He is always with us wherever we go.
Be Strong and Courageous
Being strong and courageous is a statement that means much more than just physical strength and bravery. It is about overcoming obstacles with a positive attitude, standing up for what is right, and having the inner strength to overcome every obstacle. This concept is essential in many aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, and achieving goals.
Understanding Strength
Strength is often regarded as physical power, such as the ability to lift heavy weights or endure physical hardship. Although physical strength is important, particularly for health and fitness, there is another kind of strength that is just as important: inner strength. Inner strength refers to mental and emotional strength. It is the ability to stay calm in the face of difficulties, to keep going even when things are challenging, and to maintain a positive outlook despite challenges.
Physical Strength and Inner Strength
Physical strength is important because it helps us take care of our bodies. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest are key to maintaining physical strength. Activities like lifting weights, running, swimming, and yoga can all help build physical strength. Physical strength allows us to perform daily tasks more easily, reduces the risk of injury, and improves overall health.
Inner strength is what helps us handle life's challenges. It includes qualities like determination, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Inner strength allows us to face difficulties without giving up. It helps us recover from setbacks and continue pursuing our goals, even when things don't go as planned. Developing inner strength involves building confidence, practising self-discipline, and learning to manage stress.
Understanding Courage
Courage is often associated with heroic acts, like saving someone from danger or standing up against injustice. However, courage also includes everyday acts of bravery. It means facing fears, taking risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones to do what we believe is right.
Everyday Courage
Everyday courage involves making decisions that are difficult but necessary. It could be something as simple as speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, or confronting a friend about a problem. These acts require courage because they involve risk and uncertainty. Everyday courage is about taking those small steps that lead to personal growth and positive change.
Moral Courage
Moral courage is the bravery to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or comes with consequences. It involves making ethical decisions and taking actions that align with our values. Moral courage might mean speaking out against injustice, defending someone who is being treated unfairly, or admitting when we are wrong. It requires integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong.
The Importance of Being Strong and Courageous
Being strong and courageous is essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life. These qualities help us navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve our goals. They enable us to stand up for ourselves and others, contribute positively to our communities, and lead by example. Being strong and courageous helps us lead more meaningful lives, contribute positively to our communities, and inspire others to do the same. It is a journey worth taking, and the rewards are invaluable.
The Bible is full of stories about people who showed great strength and courage. These characters faced many challenges and relied on their faith in God to help them overcome obstacles. Their stories teach us valuable lessons about being strong and courageous in our own lives. Here are a few Bible characters who demonstrated strength and courage and some lessons we can learn from their experiences.
Moses Journey Of Leadership And Reliance with Faith
Moses is one of the most well-known characters in the Bible. His life is a great example of strength and courage. Moses was born at a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed. To save him, his mother placed him in a basket and set it floating on the Nile River. Pharaoh's daughter found him and raised him as her own child.
The Call of Moses
The book of Exodus 3:12 said When Moses grew up, he saw the suffering of his people, the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt. One day, God spoke to him through a burning bush and told him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses was afraid and felt unqualified, but God assured him, "I will be with you"
"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain." Exodus 3:12 KJV
The Ten Plagues
Moses went to Pharaoh and demanded that he let the Israelites go. Pharaoh refused, so God sent ten plagues upon Egypt. Each time, Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go until the final plague, which took the lives of the firstborn sons in Egypt. Pharaoh finally relented, and Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
"And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land." Exodus 11:10 KJV
Crossing the Red Sea
As they fled, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. The Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. God told Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and He parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. When Pharaoh's army followed, the waters returned and drowned them.
"But lift thou thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea." Exodus 14:16 KJV
Lessons from Moses
Moses' story shows us that we can be strong and courageous when we trust in God's plan. Even when we feel unqualified or fearful, God can use us to accomplish great things. Moses faced many challenges, but he relied on God for strength and guidance. We can do the same in our own lives by having faith and trusting that God is with us.
Joshua Leads with Strength and Courage
Joshua was Moses' assistant and became the leader of the Israelites after Moses died. God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey that He had promised to their ancestors.
God's Command to Joshua
God gave Joshua a clear command: "Be strong and courageous". He repeated this command several times, emphasizing its importance. God promised Joshua that He would be with him just as He had been with Moses.
Be strong and of good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6 KJV
The Battle of Jericho
The Battle of Jericho is a famous story from the Bible, found in the Book of Joshua. It tells how the Israelites, led by Joshua, captured the city of Jericho. Jericho was a strong and well-protected city with high walls. The Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River and were ready to claim the Promised Land.
God gave Joshua special instructions for taking the city. For six days, the Israelites marched around Jericho once a day in silence, with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. After the seventh lap, the priests blew their trumpets loudly, and Joshua commanded the people to shout.
When the Israelites shouted, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed. This allowed the Israelites to enter the city and conquer it easily. They followed God's instructions and destroyed everything in the city, sparing only Rahab and her family. Rahab had helped Israelite spies earlier and was promised safety.
The Battle of Jericho is remembered as a story of faith and obedience. It shows how the Israelites trusted God’s plan and how their faith led to victory. This story is often told to illustrate the power of belief and the importance of following divine guidance.
Lessons from Joshua
Joshua's story teaches us that strength and courage come from obedience to God. Even when God's instructions seem unusual or difficult, we can trust that He knows what is best. Joshua's courage came from his faith in God's promises and his willingness to follow God's commands. We can find strength and courage by doing the same.
David Facing Giants
David is another famous Bible character known for his strength and courage. He was a young shepherd boy who became the greatest king of Israel. His story shows us that even the smallest and least likely people can do great things with God's help.
David and Goliath
The most famous story about David is his battle with Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior who challenged the Israelites. All the Israelite soldiers were afraid to fight Goliath, but David, who was just a boy at the time, volunteered. He told King Saul, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine"
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 1 Samuel 17:37 KJV
David faced Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones. He told Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty". David slung a stone at Goliath, hitting him in the forehead and killing him.
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 KJV
Lessons from David
David's story teaches us that true strength and courage come from faith in God, not from our abilities. David trusted that God would help him defeat Goliath, even though he was much smaller and less experienced. We can face our own "giants" by trusting in God's power and not relying solely on our strength.
Esther's Courage to Save a Nation
Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her story is one of great courage as she risked her life to save her people from destruction.
Esther Becomes Queen
King Xerxes of Persia chose Esther to be his queen, not knowing she was Jewish. Meanwhile, a man named Haman, who was second in command to the king, plotted to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Esther's cousin Mordecai urged her to speak to the king on behalf of her people.
Esther's Courageous Act
Approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death, but Esther knew she had to act. She told Mordecai, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish". Esther went to the king and revealed Haman's plot. The king was enraged and ordered Haman to be executed, saving the Jews from destruction.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so, will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16 KJV
Lessons from Esther
Esther's story teaches us the importance of having the courage to do what is right, even when it is dangerous. Esther risked her life to save her people, showing great strength and bravery. We can learn from her example by standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or risky.
Daniel Standing Firm in His Faith and was Thrown Lion's Den
Daniel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile. His story shows us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution.
Daniel was known for his wisdom and his faith in God. The book of Daniel 6:10-23 said that he prayed to God three times a day, even when a law was passed that made it illegal to pray to anyone except the king. Daniel continued to pray, and his enemies had him thrown into a den of lions. But God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel was unharmed.
Lessons from Daniel
Daniel's story teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God, even when it is difficult. Daniel refused to stop praying to God, even though it could have cost him his life. We can learn from his example by staying true to our faith and trusting that God will protect us.
Ruth: Loyalty and Love
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed great strength and courage through her loyalty and love for her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Ruth's Decision
After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi rather than return to her people. She told Naomi, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's decision required great courage as she was leaving everything familiar behind.
Ruth and Boaz
Ruth's loyalty and hard work caught the attention of a man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi. Boaz admired Ruth's strength and kindness, and he eventually married her. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, showing how God blessed her faithfulness.
Lessons from Ruth
Ruth's story teaches us the value of loyalty and love. Her courage to leave her homeland and care for Naomi led to great blessings. We can learn from Ruth by being loyal and loving to those around us, trusting that God will reward our faithfulness.
Joseph's Forgiveness and Perseverance
Joseph, the son of Jacob, faced many hardships but showed incredible strength and courage through forgiveness and perseverance.
Joseph's Trials
Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt, where he faced many challenges, including being falsely accused and imprisoned. Despite these hardships, Joseph remained faithful to God and used his gifts to help others.
Joseph's Rise to Power
Eventually, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, who made him second in command over Egypt. When a famine struck, Joseph's wisdom saved many lives, including his own family. When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, Joseph forgave them and provided for them.
Lessons from Joseph
Joseph's story teaches us the power of forgiveness and perseverance. Despite being betrayed and facing many trials, Joseph never lost faith in God. His willingness to forgive his brothers and his perseverance through difficult times led to great blessings. We can learn from Joseph by forgiving those who wrong us and trusting that God has a plan for our lives.
Paul's Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Paul, originally known as Saul, was a fervent persecutor of Christians until he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became one of the most courageous and influential apostles, spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul travelled extensively, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches. He faced many dangers, including shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and even stoning. Despite these hardships, Paul remained bold in proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ.
Paul's Letters
Paul wrote many letters to the early Christian communities, encouraging them to be strong and courageous in their faith. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). His letters continue to inspire Christians today.
Lessons from Paul
Paul's story teaches us the importance of boldness in sharing our faith. Despite facing great opposition and danger, Paul never wavered in his mission to spread the Gospel. We can learn from Paul's example by being bold in our witness, trusting that God will give us the strength we need.
Practical Steps to Help Us Be Strong and Courageous in Our Christian Journey
1. Daily Prayer and Meditation: Start each day with prayer and reflection on God's word to strengthen your faith and build a personal relationship with Him.
2. Study the Bible Regularly: Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand God's promises and draw inspiration from the stories of courage and faith.
3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community: Engage with a community of fellow believers who can provide encouragement, accountability, and spiritual support.
4. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on and give thanks for God's blessings and guidance in your life, fostering a positive and courageous mindset.
5. Serve Others: Actively seek opportunities to serve and help others, demonstrating God's love and strengthening your faith through acts of kindness.
6. Trust in God's Plan: Cultivate a deep trust in God's plan for your life, even when facing challenges and uncertainties, knowing that He is always with you.
7. Memorize Scripture: Commit key verses to memory that can provide comfort and encouragement during difficult times, reminding you of God's strength and promises.
8. Maintain Physical Health: Take care of your body through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest, recognizing that physical well-being supports spiritual resilience.
9. Seek Guidance from Spiritual Mentors: Find mentors or spiritual leaders who can offer wisdom, advice, and prayer support as you navigate your Christian journey.
10. Regular Worship and Fellowship: Participate in regular worship services and fellowship activities to stay connected to God and the larger Christian community.
Practical Steps to Help Us Be Strong And Courageous
Overcoming Challenges
Life is full of challenges, both big and small. Whether it's dealing with a difficult situation at work, facing personal loss, or overcoming a health issue, being strong and courageous helps us manage these difficulties. Inner strength provides the resilience to keep going, while courage helps us take necessary actions despite fear.
Achieving Goals
Achieving goals requires persistence, hard work, and the ability to face setbacks. Strength and courage are essential for setting and reaching goals. They help us stay focused, motivated, and willing to take risks. Without these qualities, it is easy to give up when things get tough.
Building Resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and keep moving forward. It is a key component of mental health and well-being. Being strong and courageous helps build resilience by providing the tools needed to cope with stress, adapt to change, and bounce back from adversity.
Cultivating Strength and Courage
Developing strength and courage is a continuous process. It involves self-reflection, practice, and the willingness to learn from experiences. Here are some strategies for cultivating these qualities:
Setting Goals
Setting goals gives us direction and purpose. It helps us stay focused and motivated. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work towards bigger ones. Each accomplishment builds confidence and inner strength.
Practicing Self-Care
Taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for building strength and courage. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
Facing Fears
Facing fears is a crucial part of developing courage. Start by identifying your fears and gradually confronting them. Take small steps to expose yourself to what scares you and celebrate each victory along the way.
Seeking Support
No one has to face challenges alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or a professional can provide encouragement and advice. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences helps build strength and courage.
Learning from Failure
Failure is a natural part of life and an opportunity for growth. Instead of fearing failure, use it as a learning experience. Reflect on what went wrong, what could be done differently, and how to improve in the future.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and build inner strength. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can enhance mindfulness.
Embracing Change
Change is inevitable, and embracing it requires both strength and courage. Instead of resisting change, try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Adaptability and openness to new experiences are key components of resilience.
Conclusion
Being strong and courageous helps us live better lives, support others, and make a positive difference in the world around us.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who demonstrated incredible strength and courage. From Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to Paul spreading the Gospel despite persecution, these characters teach us valuable lessons about trusting in God, standing up for what is right, and remaining faithful in the face of challenges.
By looking at the lives of Moses, Joshua, David, Esther, Daniel, Ruth, Joseph, and Paul, we see that strength and courage come from faith in God. These stories remind us that no matter what obstacles we face, we can rely on God's power and guidance to help us overcome them.
In our own lives, we can cultivate strength and courage by trusting in God's promises, obeying His commands, standing firm in our faith, loving and being loyal to others, forgiving those who wrong us, persevering through hardships, and boldly sharing our faith. By doing so, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that God is with us.
BE BLESSED BY READING THIS ARTICLE CREATED BY DAZIA BIGGS
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