Courage to Do the Work

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.” –  (1 Chronicles 28:20a, NIV)

“Be strong and brave and finish this work. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord God, my God, is with you.” – (1 Chronicles 28:20a, ERV)

“Be strong, courageous, and effective. Do not fear or be dismayed. I know that the Eternal God, who is my God, is with you.” – (1 Chronicles 28:20a, VOICE)

 

In the same way that David extended these words of encouragement to his son, Solomon, as he was tasked to build the temple for the ark of the covenant, so too, does God extend the same to us, every time we step forward in faith to answer His call. These words feel a bit like a battle cry this morning, as Friday was probably my last “true academic teaching day” of the school year, and this morning, my last morning at home for several weeks. I am called and chosen to go and be with my mom, and I would not have it any other way; however, I am human, and there are elements of the unknown that cause me to constantly have to fend off fear, as well as a sort of grieving for the loss of the close of this school year with my students and time with my family and friends at home. God is good, and I know that He has called, chosen and prepared my sister and me for such a time as this. He has orchestrated time off and supplied for our every need. We are surrounded, supported and loved; tangibly. Our spouses, children, family and friends have only encouragement and love to offer, and we are eternally grateful. We are strengthened and encouraged to be effective in the work that lies ahead, because of the warriors that are battling on our behalf, behind the scenes. God is with us, and with Him, we need not fear.

As for mom, the busy days continue with her transition day drawing nearer still. Yesterday, between her morning of therapy sessions and the excitement of my brother-in-love and nephews arriving and spending time with she and my sister, she was completely exhausted and ready to call it a day, shortly after dinner. There are two wonderful things about this, as I pause to ponder what took place. First, mom advocated for herself, and let it be known that she was tired and ready to rest. (Of utmost importance, as the brain continues to heal and repair itself during rest) Second, I imagine some of her decision was the hostess in her, that desperately desired Meg to spend some time with her fellas. That too, is another indicator of her healing, as more and more of her usual ways become evident in all that she says and does. Selfless and loving, preferring others above herself, I imagine she wanted desperately for her girl to have time with her husband and boys, and she figured the rest would do her some good as well. Win. Win.

 

Be strong, take courage,

An early morning view from Mom’s deck. ❤

For we’re not alone;

We’re called and chosen,

And completely known.

We’ve nothing to fear,

With God by our side;

No mountain’s too great,

Nor valley too wide.

Do not be dismayed,

When things seem go wrong;

For God is present,

And He’ll make us strong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, even when the road ahead seems intimidating in the unknown. Thank You that we’ve nothing to fear, for You are always with us. Forgive us for allowing the unknowns to intimidate us into fearfulness. Teach us to depend on You to be our strength and resolve, trusting You to lead us and guide us, every step of each new day. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged and shown Your love in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to be our strength and resolve in all things. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – Colossians 1:11

Strength that Endures with Joy

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – (Colossians 1:11, NLT)

We pray that God will strengthen you with His own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy. – (Colossians 1:11, ERV)

We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy. – (Colossians 1:11, MSG)

 

As I gear up for the final week before Christmas break, I find much comfort in this verse from Colossians. I am reminded again of from Whom my strength comes, and that there is joy as we press on with patience along our journey. My job already requires more patience than I could ever muster on my own, yet God, in His great power, will provide more as it is needed. He will give us strength that goes beyond grit, and His eyes to see the good that comes from seeking His help as we go. May we seek the Lord for His strength and endurance, so that we walk through this season in joy.

 

The God of all strength, 

Will give what we need;

His love and His grace,

In joy, they will lead.

So seek the good Lord,

Patience to endure;

He’s ever faithful,

Our hope is secure.

As we go in grace,

And strength He employs;

We’re able to rise,

And go forth with joy.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your strength and grace that supply the endurance and patience that we need to navigate whatever comes our way. Thank You that as we seek You, You hear us and answer in Your love. Forgive us for not relying on You for what we need, and trying to gut out the trials rather than seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to You for all that we need, recognizing that You alone are our true Source. Show us how to love others well, so that we may extend patience, grace and kindness in a way that fills hearts with Your joy. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth in Your strength and embrace the joy that You supply along our journey. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filed with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7

Ready to Replenish

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – (Colossians 1:11, NLT)

We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy. – (Colossians 1:11, MSG)

And we pray that you would be energized with all His explosive power from the realm of His magnificent glory, filling you with great hope. – (Colossians 1:11, TPT)

 

When we pray for one another, we ought to pray for strength, endurance and patience. It is by God’s grace that we gain all that we need to persevere when trials come our way. Consequently, it is in the space of discovering His strength provided, that we recognize our hope and are filled with joy in Him. May we rise each day and seek Him one behalf of one another, remembering to ask for His provision of power to persevere in all things and at all times.

 

Let us choose to pray, 

God’s strength and power;

For those who surround,

In their needful hour.

Grant them endurance,

The patience they need;

So hope will be found,

As by grace, You lead.

May they each be filled,

With joy that is Yours;

Help them know Your love,

As it’s what restores.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are called to pray for one another. Thank You that as we do, You provide the strength, endurance and hope that is needed to persevere. Forgive us for not looking to You to be our Source of power in our need and the needs of others. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would pray for Your power to be present for the people all around us. Show us how to love others as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray to You to empower those in need of Your strength and endurance. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

The Endurance and Patience We Need

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – (Colossians 1:11, NLT)

Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. – (Colossians 1:11, VOICE)

 

Not only was Paul a conveyor of truth, but he was great at encouraging believers to persevere, no matter what they were facing. He spoke not out of hypothetical scenarios, but rather much of his writing was done in prison or while under house arrest. He knew what it meant to be strengthened by the Lord, and had experienced again and again, the endurance and patience that God gives. Despite his circumstances, Paul was full of joy. The glorious power that the presence of God provides, was Paul’s constant companion, and the reason that he could exhort his fellow believers as he did. We too, have the very same Spirit dwelling within us, when we place our trust in Christ. All of His power provides the endurance and patience that we need to navigate whatever comes our way. His joy fills us as we recognize the reality of who He is and how He loves. May we go forth as encouragers who convey the truth, always persevering, no matter what comes. May His joy fill us to overflowing.

 

May we be strengthened,

With the Lord’s power;

In our time of need,

Seek our Strong Tower.

He shall provide us,

All strength to endure;

Patience and His joy,

In Him, we’re secure.

All that we might need,

The Lord shall supply;

He’s present to hear,

Every heart cry.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and pray to You, You hear us and answer our heart’s cry. Thank You that You strengthen us with Your glorious power, and give us endurance and patience that we so desperately need. Thank You that You fill us with Your joy. Forgive us for our lack of patience and perseverance when things get difficult. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would lean into You, relying on Your strength rather than our own. Show us how to love others in a way that strengthens and encourages every heart that is feeling defeated, so that they would look to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our strength, and rely on You to provide patience and endurance as You fill us with Your joy. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7