Fortitude

Finding God-given Courage and Perseverance

Fortitude is the ability to find God-given courage and perseverance where the natural mind finds doubt and discouragement. Fortitude strengthens inwardly first, and then shows itself in the quiet resolve to choose a path that will often result in great sacrifice. The people of God for thousands of years persevered through adversity for when they were weak, their God was strong. This same God of the past is the same God today. Psalms 31:1 states "In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to same. in your righteousness deliver me!" David lived a life of trials throughout his life and faced troubles of all sorts. Yet in the darkest hours we see through Scripture his heart and where he drew his strength. The words of Psalm 31:5 were the well-known words spoken by Jesus as his final words on the cross. "Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God." When we face trials of all sorts in our own life let us lean on these words for comfort. Those who know the grace of God in Christ have nothing to fear. The closing of this Psalm tells us to "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!" (v.24) No matter what trial we may be facing, let us remember, we will not be found lacking if we find our strength in the Lord. 

Lord, I come to you with a humble heart. My heart is overwhelmed by your goodness. Thank you for the examples in Scripture you give us to live by. Thank you for the encouragement that you give us to find the God-given courage and perseverance to face the troubles in this live.  For we will find strength through Jesus Christ to persevere. It is in Jesus name I pray. Amen.