When hiking a mountainside, you will encounter many boulders. Some are easy to walk around, while others require agility to climb over and continue the steady incline. On challenging hikes, it's a welcome relief to ascend a large rock, take a proud stance, and gaze at the distance you have just conquered.
Another challenge arises when the rocks and stones wobble beneath your feet. Maintaining balance and steady footing is crucial to prevent falls or twisted ankles. Appropriate equipment is necessary, including hiking boots that support your feet and ankles and clothing that will protect you from the weather and rugged terrain.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard.
Paul urges us to remain alert and mindful of the darkness and sin surrounding us. Christians must be dedicated to their personal relationship with Jesus. Satan seeks to discourage us and hinder the use of our spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ. We often overlook this reality.
Stand firm in the faith.
The Word of God is our solid rock. Friends, we will encounter difficult trials, suffering, discouragement, and pain—hard facts of life. Yet, Paul urges us to stand firm. We cannot rely on our strength. Instead, we must choose to turn to God’s Word. Right now, in your current struggles … stand firm.
The people of Israel had fled from Egypt and found themselves trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian chariot army. Fear gripped their hearts, and Moses offered these powerful words to the people.
Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
- Exodus 14:13-14
Be courageous. Be strong.
Later in Israel's history, the people prepared to cross the Jordan River and enter God's promised land. Joshua, their new leader, experienced doubts and fears. God addressed Joshua’s concerns with powerful words.
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you … This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it … Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Joshua 1:6-9
Notice the repetition in these verses and the call to focus on God’s Word.
Verse 6 – Be strong and courageous
Verse 7 – Only be strong and very courageous / Do according to all the law Moses commanded you
Verse 8 – Meditate day and night on this Book of the Law
Verse 9 – Be strong and courageous / Do not be afraid / The Lord is with you
God’s Word is powerful. It is alive and sharper than any two-edged sword. Let’s turn to it every day. Stand firm.
Head to Heart
How can we practice the truths Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth? It’s especially difficult when we are suffering, discouraged, or anxious.
We need to get ready for those tough times and days
Write Bible verses on note cards and place them around your house.
Commit specific verses to memory and hide God’s Word in your heart.
Meditate on Scripture and pray these inspired words back to the Lord.
Here are some Bible verses to write on note cards.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him.
- Psalm 28:7
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
- Psalm 34:17
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1
Fear not; for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
- John 14:27
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7