When I was a contractor doing remodeling work, I had some very different projects to accomplish. Most of the jobs I contracted to do progressed very smoothly and were completed as planned. But there were other jobs that proved to be more difficult than I had imagined. These jobs required more time, focus, and above all else—the right tools. Having the right tools as a carpenter helped me build something strong that would last and endure. Using the right tools was a necessary part in serving my customers and bringing each project to a successful conclusion. By going to my toolbox and using the right tool, I was able to meet any challenge.
As born-again believers, we also need the right tools to be strong in our service to and in the household of God. We can make big contributions and help God’s people prevail even in difficult and challenging situations. So, what implements do we have to help us endure without fainting in our minds? The Word of God shows us many different tools, proven ways to build mental endurance so that we can stand strong and serve. Let’s take a look at these tools.
Reading God’s Word daily. By putting God’s Word in our minds on a consistent basis, we can endure and be strong in our service to others. As we read the Word daily, we can absorb Biblical truths word by word. That’s how to build a knowledge and scope of the Word so that we can recall it later when we need it. Faithfully reading the Scriptures is one way to build the strength we need. A simple way to personally implement this in our lives is to open and close each day by reading the Word. One recommendation is to read it for at least fifteen minutes in the morning and at least fifteen minutes in the evening.
We can also read God’s Word with others—as seen in the Book of Joshua. Joshua read the Word to the children of Israel in a challenging situation. When the children of Israel began to claim the Promised Land, they first conquered the city of Jericho, as recorded in chapter 6. The next chapter shows that following that stunning victory, they suffered a surprising defeat in what should have been an easy victory at the city of Ai. This was due to the trespass of Achan, who had secretly helped himself to some of the spoil from Jericho after Joshua had given the Word of the Lord not to touch the spoil because it was accursed.
After Joshua confronted and resolved that issue, he led the men of war against Ai a second time, and they were victorious. At the conclusion of the battle, Joshua read before all of Israel the Word of God available at that time.
Joshua 8:34 and 35:
And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.
Joshua read God’s Word to all of Israel. Reading God’s Word can also be a refreshing and invigorating activity for us today. We can faithfully nourish ourselves with the Word of Life so that we have a reservoir of strength to draw from in any time of need.
Studying God’s Word. Faithfully reading God’s Word builds scope. We can deepen our understanding further by studying it. By studying the Word of Life, we take time to dig deeper into the Scriptures and fill ourselves with a greater perception of the truth.
Acts 17:11:
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Like the “more noble” Berean Judeans of Acts 17, we search with a readiness of mind. We are diligent to rightly divide the Word of Truth. As a research ministry, we continue to “re-search” the Word of God that we have already read. We can also be systematic in our approach, faithfully looking for more ways to build the strength and mental endurance we need to stand victorious and not faint.
Are you wondering what to study? You needn’t look far. Delving into The Way Magazine, Sunday Teaching Services, ministry publications, and articles on our ministry Web site (www.theway.org) will give plenty of topics to research. Having our hearts in God’s Word daily keeps us filled and growing. This pursuit can include others too; it can be exciting and rewarding to have a study partner to share your learning with!
Remembering God’s Word. This tool is a powerful result of reading and studying God’s Word. In challenges of life, we can remember the Word and draw upon its strength. Look at these wonderful verses about remembering, or not forgetting, God’s Word.
Psalms 119:16:
I will delight myself in thy statues: I will not forget thy word.
Psalms 119:93:
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Proverbs 3:1:
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.
Proverbs 4:5:
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
Jesus Christ set an example of endurance and strength by calling the truth to mind when he was tempted….
This is an excerpt from the July/August 2014 issue of The Way Magazine.
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