Be Strong and of Good Courage

There are times in our lives when we experience doubts and fears, discouragement; times when we feel overwhelmed by what is before us. We are not alone with these thoughts and feelings of apprehension. The phrase “Be Strong and of Good Courage” is repeated ten times in the old testament. These words of encouragement were given by God to Moses who in turn passed them on to Joshua. The same words were used by Joshua to encourage the people of Israel when facing the challenges that lay ahead. When passing on the huge task of building the temple to his son Solomon, King David used these same words “Be strong and of good courage.” The reminder in these words to us is that when we commit our lives fully to God we have access to a source of strength and power greater than ourselves.

The process of conversion causes a transformation in our lives and gives us access to this source of help. I leave you with these encouraging words from a father to his son found in 1 Chronicles 28:20close1 Chronicles 28:20 20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (ESV) close1 Chronicles 28:20close1 Chronicles 28:20 20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (ESV) 20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (ESV) “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God – my God – will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. “

We will examine the Bible ‘s teaching on conversion. Contrary to what many think, it is not just a one-time event. Instead the Scriptures reveal that it is a process.The process begins with God’s calling, followed by the key steps of repentance, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit—finally climaxing with the return of Jesus Christ, when the dead in Christ are resurrected to immortality and given eternal life. That is the ultimate transformation, being changed from a mortal to an immortal being!

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