Be Strong

The Ministry of Men

“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).

Moses gave these words of encouragement to the man who would take the leadership of Israel and stand in his place. God has vested strength and courage in men and called them to be bold leaders throughout history.

Strength is more than brawn and muscle; however those attributes are naturally more prominent in the male. These are areas where men may excel. Interestingly, the Scripture frequently couples the attribute of strength with courage. Eleven times in Scripture the command to “be strong” is accompanied by “of good courage.” Two other times the exhortation is to be strong and “courageous.” It isn’t sufficient just to have strength, but also the courage to use it effectively.

Men should not be intimidated by societal pressures to hide their strength and bridle their courage. These are God given traits and appropriately used they bring glory to God and fulfillment of our purpose.

Joshua rose to the challenge, leading the people of Israel across the Jordan and throughout the conquest of the land of Canaan. In the book of Joshua, God speaks the same words to the people that Joshua had heard from Moses. "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7).

Paul emphasizes the attribute of strength and encourages the brethren to “be strong!”

- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
- Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
- 2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Use your strength in serving the Lord. This strength is much greater than pressing iron or excelling in physical development. Men who are “strong in the Lord” will be great leaders. Those who become “strong in the grace” of God will truly be great disciples.