Encouraging Words

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love."  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

These are the words of the Apostle Paul as he offered encouragement to the believers in Corinth who were facing trying times and troubles.  His words were simple, but powerful.  He told them to stand firm in their faith, and to be on guard against anything that would tear it down.  He told them to exercise courage and strength, recognizing that both of these come from God.  Finally he said, in all that they do, they should do it with the love of God.

The events and storms of life can bring us down, or knock us down.  Believers are not immune to troubles, trials, and tribulations, but with the help of The Lord God we can get back up after we have been knocked down.  Once we recognize who we are and whose we are, like the prodigal son, we do not have to stay in the muck and mire of bad situations and circumstances. (Luke 15:17-18)  In our weakness He has the opportunity to demonstrate His strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9)  The battles that we are trying to fight, are not ours to fight. (Ephesians 6:12)  We need to put on the whole armor of God, and just stand and witness His power. (Ephesians 6:11 and 6:13)  Our strength and our courage come from Him, and from knowing that The Lord God will fight our battles and protect us.  In Him we are conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  We just need to remember that we are His, and we need to act like it.  So, be encouraged, trouble don't last always, joy is coming. (Psalms 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 4:17)