Be Strong and Courageous!

As Moses ended his leadership of the exodus of Israel, 
he gave them true encouragement:

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous, 
do not be afraid or tremble at them, 
for the Lord your God is the one 
who goes with you.  He will not fail you 
or forsake you.”

Although, we are not the children of Israel embarking on the Promise Land, we are the LORD's dearly loved children:

Colossians 3:12-17
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, 
holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, 
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, 
whoever has a complaint against anyone; 
just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 

Beyond all these things put on love, which is 
the perfect bond of unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 
to which indeed you were called in one body; 
and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, 
with all wisdom teaching and admonishing 
one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name 
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 
and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you 
and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a 
sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

We are his dearly loved children who are grafted into His chosen people Israel:

Romans 11
"...33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom 
and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are 
His judgments and unfathomable His ways!..."

In context the passage Deuteronomy 31 is for a specific time 
and people, but it also demonstrates to us the LORD's attitude toward His people - even now.

So remember to Be strong and take courage in the LORD. He has His plan and it can not be thwarted! It is for His people even we who are grafted in to His family. God goes with us, He will not fail us or forsake us.

Glory to His Name!