God is With You
“When we focus our minds and choices on Him, we don’t have to be afraid.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Reflection
“The light has gone out of my life.” – Teddy Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, and Christian.
Christians are called to shine light in a dark world, but sometimes darkness oozes through the cracks in our faith. President Roosevelt wrote this desperate entry in his diary the day he lost his wife and mother within eleven hours of each other. He was only twenty-five years old.
We have all had moments when we want to throw up our hands and walk away. Many of us have experienced deep grief. If we aren’t careful, fear can walk right in and give us the go ahead to behave badly when life doesn’t feel worth living. But we must lean into God and reframe our thinking. Continuing our walk with Him is the only thing that can restore us through treacherous valleys.
God tells us we will have times of uncertainty. We are not capable of conquering fears and barriers on our own, though. You see, it’s easier to have faith when things are going smoothly, but deep growth takes place in times of hardship and tragedy. We can’t be passive Christians. God tells us to go forth with radical faith, and He is not a God who would command us to do something and not provide us with the tools to follow through.
We serve a Lord of encouragement and hope. He already knows our weaknesses. When we focus our minds and choices on Him, we don’t have to be afraid. God tells us we should not tremble when faced with giants, because He is greater. When we focus on Him and fix our eyes on eternity, we can say this with confidence.
President Roosevelt was a staunch Christian who continued his radical faith with the Lord and restored his life’s purpose. The Lord is waiting on you. Will you trust Him and follow Him?
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength.” – Teddy Roosevelt
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me through tragedy and hardship. Remind me to keep Your faithfulness in the forefront of my mind. Help me pull from scripture when faced with difficulties and give me the strength to lean into You. You are my firm foundation, and I know You won’t fail me. Thank You for blessing me with the gift of hope. Amen.
Citation
"This Day in History Theodore Roosevelt's Wife and Mother Die." Https://www.History.Com/Author/History, 16 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/theodore-roosevelts-wife-and-mother-die. Accessed 29 May 2023.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Reflection
“The light has gone out of my life.” – Teddy Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, and Christian.
Christians are called to shine light in a dark world, but sometimes darkness oozes through the cracks in our faith. President Roosevelt wrote this desperate entry in his diary the day he lost his wife and mother within eleven hours of each other. He was only twenty-five years old.
We have all had moments when we want to throw up our hands and walk away. Many of us have experienced deep grief. If we aren’t careful, fear can walk right in and give us the go ahead to behave badly when life doesn’t feel worth living. But we must lean into God and reframe our thinking. Continuing our walk with Him is the only thing that can restore us through treacherous valleys.
God tells us we will have times of uncertainty. We are not capable of conquering fears and barriers on our own, though. You see, it’s easier to have faith when things are going smoothly, but deep growth takes place in times of hardship and tragedy. We can’t be passive Christians. God tells us to go forth with radical faith, and He is not a God who would command us to do something and not provide us with the tools to follow through.
We serve a Lord of encouragement and hope. He already knows our weaknesses. When we focus our minds and choices on Him, we don’t have to be afraid. God tells us we should not tremble when faced with giants, because He is greater. When we focus on Him and fix our eyes on eternity, we can say this with confidence.
President Roosevelt was a staunch Christian who continued his radical faith with the Lord and restored his life’s purpose. The Lord is waiting on you. Will you trust Him and follow Him?
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength.” – Teddy Roosevelt
Action Steps
- Contemplate Isaiah 41:10. How do you think this passage relates to today’s devotional?
- Discuss this devotional with a family member or friend who may be struggling. Share your testimony of courage and your walk with God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me through tragedy and hardship. Remind me to keep Your faithfulness in the forefront of my mind. Help me pull from scripture when faced with difficulties and give me the strength to lean into You. You are my firm foundation, and I know You won’t fail me. Thank You for blessing me with the gift of hope. Amen.
Citation
"This Day in History Theodore Roosevelt's Wife and Mother Die." Https://www.History.Com/Author/History, 16 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/theodore-roosevelts-wife-and-mother-die. Accessed 29 May 2023.
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