Courage Through Trials: Hope For Difficult Times: Finding Strength Amidst Struggles
Life is filled with trials—some expected, others sudden and overwhelming. We face struggles that test our faith, moments of deep sorrow, and seasons of uncertainty where fear threatens to overtake us. Yet, in the face of every challenge, God calls us to stand firm, to be strong and courageous, and to trust that He is with us. The trials we endure are not signs of His absence, but opportunities for His power to be revealed in our lives.
The road of faith is not always easy, but we are never alone. Our strength does not come from our own ability to endure but from the One who has already overcome the world.
God’s Command: Be Strong and Courageous
When Moses died, the weight of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land fell upon Joshua. He stood on the brink of an enormous challenge, stepping into a role that required great strength, wisdom, and faith. God spoke directly to Joshua, offering him a command and a promise:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
—Joshua 1:9
This was not merely an encouragement—it was a command. God did not say, “Try to be courageous.” He declared, “Be strong and courageous.” Why? Because God Himself was with Joshua. The strength Joshua needed did not come from within but from the presence of the Almighty.
Just as God commanded Joshua to be courageous, He calls us to the same faith. We may not be leading a nation, but we face battles—spiritual warfare, personal struggles, injustices, and hardships that challenge our faith. Yet, God’s promise remains: He is with us wherever we go.
Jesus’ Victory Over the World
When Jesus walked the earth, He never promised a life free of suffering. In fact, He assured His followers that trials would come. But He also gave them the greatest source of encouragement:
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
—John 16:33
Jesus does not deny the reality of hardship. He does not minimize our pain. Instead, He acknowledges the suffering we will face—but He follows with a declaration of victory: “I have overcome the world.”
This is the foundation of our courage. We do not stand in our own strength; we stand in the victory of Jesus. The One who healed the sick, calmed the storm, cast out demons, and defeated death itself is the same Savior who stands with us today. No trial is greater than His power. No hardship is beyond His reach.
The Blood of Jesus: Our Strength in Battle
From the time of the Torah, blood was the sign of redemption and protection. When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God instructed them to place the blood of the Passover lamb on their doorposts, and when the angel of death passed through the land, He spared those covered by the blood.
"The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you."
—Exodus 12:13
This was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus, the Lamb of God, who shed His blood to redeem and protect us. His blood gives us the courage to stand firm in faith, knowing that we are covered by His sacrifice.
"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
—Matthew 26:28
When we face trials, we must remember that Jesus' blood has already secured our victory. The battle is not ours alone; it belongs to the Lord.
The Power of the Holy Spirit: Our Strength and Guide
Courage is not merely the absence of fear—it is the presence of faith. And faith is not something we muster on our own; it is a gift from God, strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised His disciples that they would not be left alone. He would send the Holy Spirit to empower them:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
—Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit is our strength in the storm, our guide in uncertainty, and our comfort in suffering. When we feel weak, He intercedes for us. When we feel afraid, He reminds us of God's promises. When we feel lost, He leads us in truth.
The same Spirit that empowered the disciples to preach the gospel with boldness, that gave them courage in the face of persecution, that transformed their fear into faith—that same Spirit dwells within us today. We do not walk alone. We walk in the power of the living God.
Torah Law: Walking in Obedience and Courage
God’s Word has always been a source of strength for His people. The Torah, given by God to Moses, is not only a set of laws but a revelation of His divine wisdom and instruction. Obedience to God’s commands brings blessing, protection, and strength.
"Be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go."
—Joshua 1:7
Joshua’s success was not found in military strategy alone—it was rooted in obedience to God’s law. When we follow God’s commandments, we walk in His strength. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
True courage is found in surrender—surrendering our fears, our doubts, and our own understanding to the One who holds all things together.
Conclusion: Take Heart, Stand Firm
The trials we face may seem overwhelming, but God has already given us the victory. Through the courage He commanded Joshua, the victory declared by Jesus, the covering of His blood, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of His Torah, we are equipped to stand firm.
So when fear whispers that you are not strong enough, remember: You don’t have to be—because God is.
When trials come, declare the words of Joshua:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
—Joshua 1:9
And when the battle feels too great, rest in the words of Jesus:
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
—John 16:33
No trial is greater than our God. No hardship is beyond His power. Take heart, be strong, and walk forward with courage—for the Lord your God is with you, now and forever.
