Which other scriptures emphasize God strengthening His people against adversity? Hard-Headed Courage in Ezekiel 3:8 “Look, I will make your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.” God equips Ezekiel with a supernatural resilience that matches—and surpasses—the opposition he will meet. From Genesis to Revelation this same strengthening thread runs unbroken for every servant who faces hostility, weariness, or fear. Foundational Promises in the Law and Historical Books • Exodus 15:2 – “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” • Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous… He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • 2 Chronicles 16:9 – “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • 1 Chronicles 28:20 – David to Solomon: “Be strong and courageous… the LORD God… will not fail you or forsake you.” Songs and Wisdom for Hard Days • Psalm 18:32 – “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.” • Psalm 28:7 – “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Psalm 138:3 – “On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.” • Proverbs 24:10 – “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” (A sober reminder to lean on His might, not our own.) Prophetic Reinforcements • Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives power to the faint… those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear… I will strengthen you; I will surely help you.” • Jeremiah 1:18-19 – “I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar… They will fight against you but will not overcome you, since I am with you.” • Zechariah 4:6 – “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.” Strength Embodied in Christ’s Ministry • Luke 22:31-32 – Jesus prays that Peter’s faith “will not fail,” then commissions him to “strengthen your brothers.” • John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Power Released in Acts • Acts 4:31 – The believers are “filled with the Holy Spirit” and speak “boldly.” • Acts 23:11 – The risen Lord stands by Paul: “Take courage! … you must bear witness in Rome.” Daily Resources in the Epistles • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness… when I am weak, then I am strong.” • Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • Colossians 1:11 – “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Approach the throne of grace with confidence… find grace to help in time of need.” • Hebrews 13:5-6 – “‘Never will I leave you’… ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’” • 1 Peter 5:10 – After suffering “a little while… [He] will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Living What We’ve Learned The God who stiffened Ezekiel’s resolve still hardens foreheads today—arming believers with courage, endurance, and Holy Spirit power. Every passage above re-echoes one truth: adversity is certain, but so is divine strengthening. Lean into His promises, rely on His presence, and watch Him turn resistance into an arena for His glory. |
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