“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)
Believing is not for the faint of heart. Paul’s life is a good example of this. He writes how on a missionary journey he was afflicted at every turn: from the outside by enemies, from the inside by fear. (2 Corinthians 7:5) Many Christians will recognize this, although most do not experience as extreme a situation as Paul did. He was imprisoned several times, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked… There seemed to be no end to his trials. And caring for the churches he had founded also weighed heavily on him at times. There was so much they still had to learn, there were so many dangers and problems…. It was enough to make one despondent! Therefore it is very striking that Paul says, “I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” (2 Corinthians 7:4) How is that possible! Because God was with him and gave him exactly what he needed at that moment: a fellow believer who visited him and told him about the latest developments in the church at Corinth.
Paul is no exception in this. Other believers in the Bible also tell how they keep courage despite difficult circumstances, fears and disappointments. They are followers of Jesus Christ, who promised, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Do you feel strong? What gives you new courage when you are struggling?