God highlighted a quality to me this morning that we all admire, but typically hope to never need: fortitude. One dictionary defines it as mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously. Fortitude will empower us to face challenges in this world and still be of good cheer.
I’ll share three examples of fortitude in scripture. Joseph got the coolest coat in town from his doting dad, and he’d had some pretty heady dreams from God. But his brothers’ envy seemed to doom him when they threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery. As a slave, he demonstrated fortitude by serving his new master well, only to be slandered and thrown in jail without cause. Excellence and strength of character elevated him to be the chief jailer‘s right-hand man. He used his God-given gifts, even in jail, and interpreted the dreams of two government officials, asking one for a small favor, and that guy promptly forgot…for two years! In all, Joseph had to persevere in the face of adversity for at least 12 years before his dreams were realized and he was elevated to the second most powerful job in Egypt (Genesis 37-45).
King David also demonstrated fortitude awaiting fulfillment of God’s promise. Viewed as insignificant by his family, he later endured dodging the king’s spears and being on the run for years. David particularly needed inner resolve at Ziklag, when his disgruntled men wanted to stone him, their homes having been burned and their families captured by the Amalekites. We’re told David strengthened himself in the Lord his God and he inquired of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6-8). The root of the word, fortitude, is the Latin word fortis, meaning “strong.” David didn’t need more push-ups or weightlifting at this juncture. What he needed was strength of mind, and to hear from God.
Physical strength comes through good diet and exercise, but the believer’s strength of mind and character comes through connection with God. Jesus declared, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). He maintained the necessary strength and resolve to accomplish His mission—in the face of untold challenges—by often spending time listening to His Father (Luke 5:16). He exemplified what Isaiah 40:31 promises: Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
The Bible is full of other strengthening verses. Galatians 6:9 promises we will reap, if we faint not. Regardless of our current circumstances, we should keep using our gifts and walking with character, always sowing good things, like Joseph. We can shore up our strength through time with God, getting His perspective and wisdom, as David and Jesus modeled for us. And we can look beyond temporary discomfort and envision the joy that lies before us as Jesus leads us in sure triumph! (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Be encouraged by these other scriptures to strengthen your resolve: Joshua 1:9, Psalm 126:5, Proverbs 24:10, Isaiah 41:10, John 16:33, and Romans 8:18. By His grace, we can all walk in fortitude.
Thanks, JB. This is a quality Mom had, that I always called “perseverance” – and one I sorely lack! Appreciate the scriptural references.
It’s all about the Word. That’s what carries the power to change us from the inside out. Thanks for sharing!