God assigned special jobs to many people in the Bible. Solomon was to build God’s house on earth; Noah was told to build a huge ark; the Israelites were to take the Promised Land away from strong people, and the Apostles were to evangelize the world. Those jobs were extremely important, but they were also hard, scary, and intimidating. God understands that and either encouraged the people directly or through others. See how David encouraged Solomon to be ‘strong and courageous’ to do the job God gave him:
King David … said … “He (the LORD) said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who is to build My house and My courts’ … 9 As for you, Solomon my son … 10 Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.” … 20 Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the Lord’s house is finished. (1 Chr 28:2-20)
God gives special works to His people today too (Eph 2:10). He has given each of His children a spiritual gift (1 Cor 12:7) to use like teaching, encouraging, proclaiming God’s Word, evangelizing, being hospitable, etc. Those jobs could also seem hard and scary at times. They might also get discouraging when you don’t see any fruit from your work. Regardless of the size of the task, your fears, or if you are not seeing fruit, you need to be ‘strong and courageous’ to get started and keep going. The work God has given you is important. He knows everything about you now and for the rest of your life. He knows who will be in and around you for the rest of your life and He has given you a specific gift to use to help those around you. Be strong and courageous to use your gift to serve and help others around you. Don’t give in to laziness, being tired, fear, or discouragement. Keep going because your work makes a difference.
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)
Don’t overlook or minimize the work God has given you in your own family. If you are married, you have a ministry and job to love, respect, and honor your spouse. If you have children, it is because God opened and shut the womb (Ps 127:3; Gen 30:22; 1 Sam 1:5) and you are called to bring those children up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord (Eph 6:4; Dt 6:6-7). The most difficult job for God might be in your own house. Raising children is difficult and discouraging at times but raising kids to be followers of Jesus is even harder. Your kids will push back. You might not see any progress. Others may discourage you by minimizing you as a stay-at-home spouse raising children. Be strong and courageous to do the job God has given you in your family. It is important work. A strong family is the backbone of society which is exactly why the devil has been attacking and tearing apart the family more and more in the world. Don’t give up fighting. Your work in your family is important, and it was assigned to you by God. Those people in your family are the exact ones that God wants you to minister to.
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)
Be strong and courageous in your work for God. Keep going, pray for help, and fight through it fear, discouragement, and intimidation. Remember that God sees and the work matters. Memorize the verses below and remember it when you get afraid, discouraged, or weary of your work for God:
7 But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work has a reward.” (2 Chr 15:7)
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)
Think about it
Have you pulled back from Christian work because it was scary, hard, or discouraging?
Do you realize that your role as a spouse or a parent is a job appointment by God and is important work? Do you ever minimize your work in your own family?
Does the verse in 2 Chr 15:7 or 1 Cor 15:58 above help you to continue?
How can you lift yourself up and continue forward when you feel tired, discouraged, or like giving up? Is there a friend you can vent or talk to?
Be strong and courageous to do the work God has given you to do.… Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you … (1 Chr 28:20)
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 