Being strong and courageous in the face of adversity, in the face of uncertain times, and in the face of bad news or a bad report is exactly what God wants for us. But we are not strong and courageous by default. It is something we must develop. We must feed our spirits to become stronger. We must pray for and declare by faith that we are strong in the Lord, as we grow up in Christ.
When Joshua was facing the daunting task of leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land, God knew that Joshua needed strength, that he needed courage. So, included in His instructions to Joshua, three times the Lord said, “Be strong and courageous.”
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
“Be strong and very courageous…. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.
“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 1:6-9).
If Joshua needed strength and courage for what was ahead of him, then so will we, especially in the times in which we live. Like Joshua, we have difficulties to face, battles to win, assignments to fulfill, wisdom to receive, hope to inspire, and faith to develop. We have people to lead, people to reach and people to love. We have health to walk in, financial increase to steward, and a generation to disciple.
To accomplish all that God has for us, we need to pray—the foundation for all we will ever do. And, our prayers must declare the Word of God by faith—because that’s what changes things. Make the following prayer and confession part of your daily routine. Make it something you take hold of and speak to build your faith, strengthen your inner man, and give you courage.
Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You that You are my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in You. When I am weak, because of You and Your mighty power I am strong. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, because You are with me. I am not afraid of the terrors at night or the arrow that flies by day. Though a thousand may fall at my side, or 10,000 around me, no evil touches me. You are my refuge, my God, in whom I trust.
I know that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I know that You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Because of You, I will not be dismayed. I will not be discouraged. I will not be disappointed. My hope is in You.
I am strong and courageous.
I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.
I am the head and not the tail.
I am above and not beneath.
I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.
I can’t go under for going over.
You are greater in me than he who is in the world.
With You on my side, I will not fear. I will be courageous. What can man do to me?
There is nothing You can’t do, for You are my God. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Prayer based on the following scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-11; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Psalms 28:7, 56:3, 23:4; Psalm 91; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:37; Deuteronomy 28:13; Revelation 12:11; 1 John 4:4; Psalm 118:6