Strength’s Purpose

If I want to live life to the fullest, I need to recognize that before I can be strong and courageous, I must first find my mission.

Good morning!

Here’s a question for you: Who benefits from your strength?

I would describe myself as a pretty utilitarian person; I rarely get anything just for decoration, and I typically have a reason for buying whatever it is I buy — for example, even if I’ll only ever use it in the wilderness, I still don’t regret buying a utility shovel or machete. Also, while I had a Jeep last year that I only used for off-roading once (big regret), I wouldn’t carry a pocketknife on me if I didn’t need it so often for opening boxes and whatnot.

This morning, I am reminded of God’s words to Joshua as he was a young man, being prepared to lead the children of Israel: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!” However, it should be noted that before God asked Joshua to muster up his strength and courage, He gave him a big vision where he’d have to lead people into the unknown.

Please note that the requirement for strength came only after the call to leadership.

I’m preaching to myself when I say this, but listen: you do not need strength to watch Netflix. You do not need courage to play video games, to avoid conflict, to live only for yourself. You only need strength and courage if you’re going to live for a mission, purpose, or calling greater than yourself. If you choose to love people, to serve people, to work towards something that benefits others, you will need to be strong and of great courage; and when you devote yourself to a good cause, I believe those things will come.

If you want to be strong, if you desire to be courageous, if you seek to make a valiant effort, I must ask you this: Who will benefit from your strength?

Focus on that, and the strength will come.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to respond with your thoughts on this. Otherwise, have a great weekend!

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