Tag: 1 Chronicles 28:20

HomeTag: 1 Chronicles 28:20

17
May '19

The Call to Courage

Posted on May 17, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: ,

17
May '19
Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed . . . (1 Chronicles 28:20) 
 
Among a display of male statues (Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and others) in London’s Parliament Square, stands a lone statue of a woman. The solitary woman is Millicent Fawcett, who fought for the right of women to vote. She’s immortalized in bronze—holding a banner displaying words she offered in a tribute to a fellow suffragist: “Courage calls to courage everywhere.” Fawcett insisted that one person’s courage emboldens others—calling timid souls into action. 
 
As David prepared to hand his throne over to his son Solomon, he explained the responsibilities that would soon rest heavy on his shoulders. It’s likely Solomon quivered under the weight of what he faced: leading Israel to follow all God’s instructions, guarding the land God had entrusted to them, and overseeing the monumental task of building the temple (1 Chronicles 28:8–10). 
 
Knowing Solomon’s trembling heart, David offered his son powerful words: “Be strong and of good courage…fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee” (v. 20). Real courage would never arise from Solomon’s own skill or confidence but rather from relying on God’s presence and strength. God provided the courage Solomon needed. 
 
When we face hardship, we often try to drum up boldness or talk ourselves into bravery. God, however, is the one who renews our faith. He will be with us. And His presence calls us to courage. 
 
What causes your heart to tremble in fear? How can you seek God’s presence and power in moving toward courage. 
 
God, I’m often so afraid. And when I am, I’m tempted to rely on my own wits or courage—and that’s never enough. Be with me. Give me Your courage. Amen. 
 
I was so blessed by this devotion and I felt it had to be shared with others to read. I love when it said, His presence calls us to courage. May we be encouraged and comforted by this  every single day. He is so faithful, a comforter, a very present help in the time of trouble, He is…
 
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3:7

12
May '17

Navigating Rough Waters

Posted on May 12, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: ,

12
May '17

Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, white-knuckle experience! And then, suddenly, it was over. The guide in the back of the raft had navigated us through. I was safe—at least until the next set of rapids. 

Transitions in our lives can be like whitewater experiences. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, changing jobs, living with parents to living alone or with a spouse, career to retirement, youth to old age—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity. 

In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and of good courage, and do it. . . . for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee” (1 Chron. 28:20). 

We’ll have our fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in our raft we’re not alone. Keeping our eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids brings joy and security. He’s taken lots of others through before.

What a great visual for different transitions in our lives. When I read this I couldn’t help but think of three words, He’s Still God!!! Amen!! What a mighty, mighty, mighty God we serve.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 28:9-20