Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes before you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 

This is one of my personal and foundational verses for leadership which I have prayed back to the Lord so many times over the years. I have applied it to my career, family and ministry assignments. The year 2020 was a trial and challenge for me (and probably you) in many ways and this verse guided me through the entire 365 days. We also had to adjust to the unprecedented trials of COVID and we must remember both the command and the promise of this verse. God’s Word is full of a commands followed by a promises. The command in this verse is for us to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid or tremble. The promise is that the Lord our God goes before us and will not fail us or forsake us. What more could we ask for as we walk and lead each day?

If this command and promise verse from God’s Word was applicable in 2020, why should it not also be as pivotal for 2021? It is amazing how many times in Scripture that God’s commands and promises are repeated. This same command to be strong and courageous is repeated in Deuteronomy and given to Joshua four times in the first chapter of Joshua. David gave these words to Solomon. As we move into the unknowns of 2021, the threats, trials and challenges seem to be overwhelming to non-Christians and even some Christians. God tells us that he will be with us, will not fail us or forsake us. He will also never leave us and he goes before us. He is preparing the way for you and will walk beside you in every situation and challenge in life. Claim Psalm 4:1&3, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Give me relief in my distress. Be gracious and hear my prayer.” “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” I am certain that each of us will call to him many times in 2021. You can be certain that he will hear you each time. So, be “strong and courageous” and always remember that God not only knows the future, but controls it.