Finding Strength Beyond Your Own

By: Eldon Kibbey

The Call to Courage

Life often places us at the edge of a “Jordan River”; a moment of transition where the old leadership or old habits must fall away to make room for something new. In these moments, the command we hear most often from Scripture is simple yet profound: Be strong and courageous.

What Does it Truly Mean to be Strong?

We often think of strength as a personality trait, but the original Hebrew offers a much richer picture:

• Strong (ḥāzaq): To be firm, resolute, and to grow firm.
• Courageous (‘āmēṣ): To be alert, brave, solid, and bold.

Together, these words describe an attitude of standing up for what matters rather than backing down in the face of trials. Whether it was Joshua leading a nation or Solomon building the Temple, the instruction remained the same: do not fear, for the Lord is with you.

The Secret Source of Strength

The most encouraging part of these Old Testament examples is that we aren’t expected to manufacture this courage on our own. We are called to be strong and courageous in the power of God.

With the Holy Spirit to guide us, our responsibility is to stand up and step forward. When we do our part, we can trust God to do what is good in His sight. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, God is faithful and will always provide a way to endure the temptations and trials we face.

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