It takes strength to conquer
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain.
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in.
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain.
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide feelings.
It takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to endure abuse.
It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone.
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love.
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive.
It takes courage to live.

--author unknown

"....as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
I will not leave you nor forsake you.
Be strong and of good courage...."
(Joshua 1:5b-6a).

Heavenly Father, I know that many of my readers are going through difficult times. Some are suffering because of family relationships, others because of addictions, others because of financial trouble, still others because of disease and physical pain. Countless others struggle with the normal stresses that go with living in this world. I pray that you would help each of them to sense your presence so that they will draw closer to you. May they find their strength and their courage in you.

In Jesus' name, amen.