Verse of the Day - Psalm 31:24

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! ~ Psalm 31:24 (NLT)

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The strength of David over Goliath...
The confidence of Stephen over the stones...
The nonchalance of Paul and Silas over the prison chains...

Do we simply read these Bible stories and say, "Yeah, great...but that was then...", or "Yeah, great...but those were superheroes of the faith..."? Can we realize the strength and courage today for ourselves by putting our full hope in God? I say without a doubt, "YES!"

Life is hard. It has been hard, since the fall of man. But God offers us His mighty strength to fight the battles we face, to rest in His arms when the world is going crazy, and to stand firm in the knowledge of His eternal care for us. That is His offer. Do we take it, or do we take something or someone else?

Hanging your hat on people is a dangerous thing. Humanity will fail you, at one time or another. No matter how glowing someone appears, please know they are fallen just like you and me. Hoping in other human beings to be your salvation causes anxiety and insecurity. But hoping in God -- really trusting Him -- gives us the strength and courage that heroes are made of.

And don't think that relying on yourself is any better. The saying goes, If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. Well, let me tell you: you are as human as the rest of mankind, and you will fall short, too. Pride will cause you to come crashing down like a melting iceberg. Reliance on self is a very slippery path.

Superheroes of the faith are just people, like you and me. But they have taken their God seriously and stand on Him full force. Are we willing to step down hard on Him and begin trusting Him like heroes do? I believe that in all circumstances, we can do what we need to do and stand strong through Christ's strength (Philippians 4:13). There is great liberation when we understand and believe wholly in the Almighty God! He is great and greatly to be praised! There is none other who is stronger, higher, and more trustworthy! So why do we give Him so little credit in our daily living?

Be a faith superhero today and every day by putting your full confidence and hope in the Lord!

Love,
Joelene