As born-again believers, we strive to be strong in our walk and in our stand for God. But at times we may face obstacles or challenges that can tempt us to faint in our minds and to think we’re not strong enough to stand. Well, God’s Word shows us that it is available to stand strong and not faint in our walk for Him, and we want that!
Joshua 1:9:
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Ephesians 6:10:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Galatians 6:9:
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint [grow weary mentally] not.
We want to stand strong and not faint. Two ways to do this are (1) to continue to build the Word into our minds and (2) to cast our cares to God in prayer.
Continuing to build the Word into our minds is the key to achieving so many of our spiritual goals, including continuing to stand strong and not faint—not grow weary in our minds. Joshua is a great example of someone who faithfully built the Word in his mind and continued to stand strong and not faint. He was called upon to lead God’s people at a critical time.
The man of God, Moses, who had led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and served as their leader for forty years, had died. God had been training Joshua for leadership for many years before Moses’ death, but when God commanded Joshua to rise up and immediately lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:2), Joshua needed encouragement to be strong enough for this task. Let’s look at how God encouraged him to stand strong.
Joshua 1:7-9:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
God exhorted Joshua to continue to build the Word that Moses taught him into his mind. He told Joshua to meditate on it day and night. The Word in his mind and heart helped him to continue to stand strong and not grow weary in his mind as he faced enemies and challenges when he led the children of Israel through the process of conquering the Promised Land.
We can learn from Joshua’s example. If we want to stand strong and not faint in the spiritual competition, we must build the Word into our minds. God wants us to think His Word throughout our day.
Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Each day we have the option to stand strong and not faint. God wants us to think on the pure and lovely things of His Word. Like Joshua, we too can meditate on God’s Word day and night. When we make this our habit, we will be able to draw on that Word and continue to stand strong.
Another way to endure and not give up is by casting our cares to God in prayer. This action reminds us that God is always with us to help shoulder any burden we carry. God told Joshua He would always be with him wherever he went, and the same is true for us today. God is with us, and we can cast all our cares on Him every day.
Philippians 4:6,7:
Be careful [Be anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [guard] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer to our heavenly Father results in the peace we need to continue to stand strong. We can bring all of our cares to God. He wants to answer our prayers, and He wants us to be free from the burdens and weights of life.
Like Joshua, we can stand strong and not faint, no matter the challenges we may be up against. As we build the Word into our minds and let it strengthen and encourage us, and as we go to God in prayer, casting our cares to Him and receiving His peace, we can continue to stand strong and not faint!