In the fires of our lives, we can find hope and courage.

Our hearts are heavy today. Brokenhearted and grief-stricken. The losses are great. Through the winds, firestorms, power outages, property losses, deaths, and devastation, we must remain strong.

Some Californians have been without power for days. Others have worked long hours to help others. First responders have risked their lives for others. Perhaps family and friends have suffered loss. Neighborhoods and communities have been decimated.

We are brokenhearted. The LORD hears our prayers. He sees our crushed spirits. He is with us.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:17-18

This is a time to persevere. It’s a time of rebuilding. 

This season calls for compassionate followers of Christ who will join forces with others to create a better tomorrow.

Joshua was a follower of God who was chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land under impossible odds.

In Joshua 1:6-9, God tells Joshua to be strong and very courageous.

What will help Joshua be strong and courageous in the midst of war, death, and devastation? God instructed him to meditate on God’s Word day and night. Act according to God’s Word. Do not fear. Remember that God is with Joshua.

Below are some Scriptures that might give you hope and courage during life’s fires.

Meditate on God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for ever good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Act According to God’s Word

“Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 12:28)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Do Not Fear

“Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.” (Psalm 118:5-7)

“I called on Your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; You heard my plea, ‘Do not close Your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on You; You said, ‘Do not fear!’ You have taken up my cause, O Lord; You have redeemed my life.”(Lamentations 3:55-58)

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Remember God Is With You

God speaks to Israel, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Finish the Race

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)

Cry Out To God

Almighty God, the winds, fires, and devastation are all around us. Lord, thank You for the firefighters, healthcare providers, police, and others who have given of themselves for the well-being of others. Thank You that You are near to the broken-hearted. Your Word gives us hope and courage during these life’s fires. We acknowledge that we have not obeyed Your Word. Please forgive us. We turn from our ways. Be with us as we rebuild our lives. You have promised never to leave Your people nor forsake them. Empower us to fearlessly finish life’s race with courage and strength. Pour out Your perfect wisdom upon Your people and unite us as we rebuild and restore our land. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Links

15 Powerful Perseverance Quotes to Get You Through Your Trial

Featured Photo by Maxim Tajer on Unsplash