Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

1 Corinthians 16: 13

The Bible contains some 365 instances where God instructs His people as groups or individuals to “fear not.” You can find an encouraging verse to read every day of the year and over the past couple of years those verses have been available as the world around us has panicked.

As Paul concludes his first letter to the church at Corinth, he inserts a final significant spiritual challenge to the people in four simply powerful phrases intended to strengthen and deepen their daily walk with God in this single verse,

• We are to be alert to circumstances that are intended to undermine our faith
• We are to still stand firm and hold on to God’s promises.
• Instead of being fearful, we are to be courageous.
• We are to be strong in the Lord!

How do you need to be on your guard today? How can you stand firm? What does it mean to be courageous? What is the source of your strength?