The call to strength and courage is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, serving as a divine exhortation to God's people to remain steadfast and bold in the face of adversity. This call is not merely a suggestion but a command that is deeply rooted in the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. It is a reminder that strength and courage are not derived from human ability but from reliance on God’s presence and promises.

Old Testament Foundations

The call to strength and courage is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises. One of the most notable instances is found in the commissioning of Joshua. As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God commands him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). This directive is repeated multiple times (Joshua 1:7, 9, 18), emphasizing the necessity of courage in fulfilling God's mission.

The source of Joshua's strength and courage is not his own prowess but the assurance of God's presence: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This assurance is a central tenet of the biblical call to courage, underscoring that God’s presence is the foundation of true strength.

Examples of Courageous Faith

Throughout the Old Testament, various figures exemplify the call to strength and courage. David, before facing Goliath, declares his confidence in God’s deliverance, saying, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). His courage is rooted in past experiences of God's faithfulness.

Similarly, the prophets often stood courageously in the face of opposition. Elijah, confronting the prophets of Baal, and Daniel, remaining faithful in the lion's den, both demonstrate unwavering courage grounded in their trust in God.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the call to strength and courage is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus encourages His disciples, saying, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Here, courage is linked to the victory of Christ, providing believers with a foundation for boldness amidst trials.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, exhorts them, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Paul’s letters often emphasize the need for spiritual fortitude, urging believers to draw strength from their relationship with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Armor and Warfare

The call to strength and courage is also associated with spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:10, Paul instructs believers, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" . This strength is linked to the armor of God, which equips Christians to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. The imagery of armor underscores the active and ongoing nature of the believer’s call to courage.

Conclusion

The biblical call to strength and courage is a profound invitation to trust in God’s power and presence. It is a call that transcends circumstances, inviting believers to participate in God’s redemptive work with boldness and faith. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to embrace this call, knowing that their strength is made perfect in reliance on the Almighty.