Be Strong, Take Courage

Be Strong, Take Courage

Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought, because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you.” (Deuteronmy 31.6)

As the year draws to a close and we look ahead to a new one, there are truths worth carrying with us: be strong, take courage, and refuse to be intimidated. These are not mere motivational phrases; they are essential attitudes for moving forward with purpose and confidence.

Be strong.
It may seem paradoxical, but Scripture repeatedly calls the weak to declare strength. Strength is not always a feeling; sometimes it is a confession of faith. God invites us to speak what He has provided, not what circumstances suggest.“

Turn your shovels into swords, your hoes into spears. Let the weak one say, ‘I am strong.’” (Joel 3:10)

There is power in saying it. The apostle Paul lived by this principle when he boldly declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Speak strength to your soul. Tell yourself what God says about you.

Take courage.
Courage is an attitude you can choose. It is something you intentionally “take.” Fear may present itself, but courage is always available. Scripture assures us that fear does not come from God.

If God has not given us a spirit of fear, then what He has given us is courage. The question is not whether courage is available, but whether you will take hold of it.

Do not be intimidated.
When you take courage, timidity loses its grip. Intimidation may arise from looming projects, demanding people, uncertain plans, or even familiar faces—but you are not compelled to yield to it. Refuse intimidation and choose courage instead.“

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

As you step into the new year, remember: God goes ahead of you. He stands with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Therefore, be strong, take courage, and do not be intimidated.

Brief Reflection

Strength, courage, and confidence are not drawn from favorable conditions but from the assurance of God’s presence. As you face a new season, challenges may still exist, but you are not facing them alone. God goes ahead of you, stands beside you, and supplies what you need for every step. Choosing strength, taking courage, and refusing intimidation are daily decisions anchored in trusting God rather than circumstances.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for going ahead of me and for never leaving nor forsaking me. I receive Your strength today. I choose courage over fear and faith over intimidation. Help me to walk boldly into the days ahead, confident in Your power, love, and wisdom at work in me. Let my life reflect trust in You, no matter what I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift) 

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