Be Strong and Courageous!
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 31:7-8
"Be strong and courageous ... The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you ..." Deut. 31:7-8
When Valentina became a Christian, she was excited about her new life in Jesus, and she thought everything would now be wonderful. But her unbelieving husband didn't want her to attend church. Soon he left her, even though she was pregnant with their second child. Then Valentina had to deal with her mother, who pressured her to get an abortion.
As we come to Christ, we often have high hopes and expectations. But things don't always go our way. All Christians experience difficult times, but God always supports and encourages.
Valentina was encouraged by a Back to God Hour message on abortion. She decided that abortion was not an option. Then she discovered this beautiful passage: "Be strong and courageous ... The LORD himself goes before you ..." What a call and a promise! The charge came from Moses as he transferred leadership to Joshua, who would lead God's people into the promised land. Despite obstacles, the Lord would provide.
In Valentina's case the Lord provided through her church. The church people helped with clothing for her new baby, and they provided temporary housing. They also helped Valentina find a job after the baby was born.
Valentina knows that the Lord provides. Do you know this truth as well?
Father, we thank you for your firm promise to never leave us. Help us to always be strong and courageous in our daily spiritual journey. In Christ we pray! Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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