Rapid fire encouragement…

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! (WEB)

I love the rapid fire encouragement that we receive in this very short but powerful verse….

Watch! … May we all be fully awake spiritually and aware of our spiritual surroundings. In Romans 13:11, the Apostle Paul encourages us to wake up from our slumber because our salvation is nearer now than we first believed. May the Holy Spirit help us not to be ignorant of the devices of the enemy, but alert and watching.

Stand firm in the faith! …I love how Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:14 to stand firm in the full armor of God. Remember it is not OUR armor, but God’s. It is His power that will keep us and protect us all of the days of our lives. Having done all to stand, simply keep standing (Ephesians 6:13).

Be courageous! …There are many places in the Bible where God tells us not to be afraid because He is with us. Courage is not the absense of fear, but moving forward and not being intimidated in the face of fear. Remember Jesus’ words to us in Luke 12:32 – Fear not little flock… It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!

Be strong! …Ephesians 2:10 says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV) Remember, it is not your own strength that you muster up, but God’s strength. And how do we yield to God’s strength? By not trying to be strong in our own self-effort! Paul got this revelation when he asked the Lord to take away his thorn in the flesh. Jesus appeared to Paul and told him, ‘My strength is made perfect in your weakness’. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

My prayer today is that one or all of these short bursts of encouragement will strengthen you today. By the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in you, may you have the grace today to be able to… Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!