When Perplexed, God Will Empower

Life is full of challenges that range from minor frustrations to those which threaten our safety and security. Without challenges, what would  motivate and inspire you? Imagine Joshua leading his people into a land that still had to be conquered? God promised to empower him with  endurance, courage, and wisdom. This gave him hope and confidence.

Joshua’s faith gave him the self-assurance to accept the challenge God assigned to him. Hope and courage along with confidence are essential for reaching planned objectives and goals. These character strengths prevent problems from being perceived as out of control and you from feeling helpless to conquer them.

Hope provides the incentive to face whatever troubles each new day may bring. Hope is a light that can shine in the darkness to give you courage to face demanding situations, people, and temptations. “Do not allow yourself to be overpowered by evil but conquer evil with good.” You, by way of your faith in Jesus Christ, can be “more than conquers through him who loves you.”  

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When doubts filled my mind, [Lord,] your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.  

~Psalm 94:19 New Living Translation

 

With this news bring cheer to all discouraged ones. Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

~Isaiah 35:3-4 The Living Bible

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Promises and Character Strengths

The promises you make are important because they reveal your character. Your commitment to keep promises echoes your sincerity, integrity and faithfulness. A promise resembles a covenant, a pledge to maintain certain terms of an agreement. In a positive sense its gives assurance to actively do specific things for the good of another or oneself.

Guilt can become a troublesome problem when we promise what we can’t deliver. It invites criticism from others and opens the door for self-condemnation because trust has been violated between oneself and others. A good standard to live by is to promise only what you know for certain you will complete.

God will not help you sweep broken promises under the rug but will give you the means for fulfilling what you’ve promised, although it may seem impossible or inappropriate to do so. God acknowledges your determination to be responsible and will open doors for you to succeed. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.”