“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

The Greek word for courage (hazaq) means to be strong or strengthen. I have a picture of Marines raising an American flag in my office. The image is inscribed with these words, “The strength to persist, the courage to endure.” We need to keep our focus on the one who lifts our spirits, who gives us the strength to take one more step forward when adversity is pressing against us on every side. Charles spurgeon said, “Fear weakens, courage strengthens. Victory waits upon the banners of the brave.” It is through the Hope in Jesus Christ that we are victorious.