Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. (Exodus 14:14, AMPC)
Romans 8:26-28
A common hindrance to our prayer life is a lack of perseverance. Many Christians feel that once they’ve prayed for something, the answer should immediately be forthcoming. But God is not a bellhop, waiting to give us what we want the moment we petition Him. Imagine if the Lord instantly provided whatever we request—we might not develop virtues like patience, trust, and dependence upon Him.
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)
When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. (Esther 8:15, NIV)
Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. (1 Kings 17:7, NIV)
Luke 12:22-32
Many people deal with anxiety. News reports or circumstances at home often cause concern and fear about our future. But as believers, we’re encouraged not to worry (Luke 12:22). Instead, we’re to seek God’s kingdom and rely on Him to provide all our needs (Luke 12:31). This is the opposite of the world’s philosophy, which tells us to rely on ourselves or other people for security.
