Anchored in His StrengthSample

Be on Guard, Be Strong

“Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!” — 1 Corinthians 16:13 AMPC

Paul’s words to the church in Corinth are a powerful call to action: be alert, stand firm, be courageous, and be strong. Each command is essential for living a faithful life in a world full of distractions and challenges.

To be alert is to stay awake spiritually. We must guard our hearts and minds from influences that weaken faith. Standing firm means holding onto God’s truth without wavering, even when culture or circumstances push against us. To be courageous is to move forward in obedience despite fear. And to grow in strength is to continually rely on God, building spiritual resilience through His Spirit.

This is not about becoming hard or self-reliant. It’s about becoming steady and Spirit-reliant. Real strength is not gritting your teeth—it is depending on the God who strengthens His people. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is faith that obeys anyway. Standing firm does not mean being rigid—it means being rooted in Christ.

When we practice these commands daily, our lives become anchored. We are less swayed by circumstances and more led by conviction. We live watchful, grounded, brave, and strong—not because of who we are, but because of who God is in us.

Reflection Question:
Which of Paul’s instructions—be alert, stand firm, be courageous, or be strong—do you most need to put into practice this week?