Pain, suffering, health challenges, bad news, heartache, divisiveness, and evil are all around us. I could list many personal issues we are currently facing, and we do need prayer; however, I also need the truth of how to live and make it through difficult times.

Early Christians were persecuted, killed, tortured, and driven from their homes, yet they continued to tell others of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Paul went through incredible hardship and yet continued to preach and tell others about Christ. Paul even wrote many encouraging letters while chained in prison. Today, people are suffering in terrible ways, yet continue to share the hope of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. Regardless of what they faced, they kept their focus on spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ. Let’s do the same.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] “…in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 14:27, John 16:33, AMP).

Therefore, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV).

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).

“Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, AMP). “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NKJV)

“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].” (Philippians 2:2, AMP).

Life is hard, but God is always good, and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world offering forgiveness, grace, mercy, and His unending peace. Whatever you face, be brave and courageous and continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The post, Be Brave and Courageous, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com