Be Strong and Courageous

Today, Tim began what is going to be an awesome sermon series entitled "Stand and Shout." It's going to be based on the book of Joshua. Today he talked about the charge that God gives to Joshua. He reminds him to be strong and courageous. He says it 3 times. He constantly reminds him. Not only does God call him to be strong and courageous, but he reminds him that He will always be with him. God calls us all to the same life. God wants his followers to be strong and courageous.
Making this relevant to my weight loss is rather simple. God calls me to trust him and be strong. He wants me to remember that he is with me in every step I take in this journey. This, just like many other challenges is a battle. I can do one of 2 things. I can either give in to my temptations and allow Satan to have a grasp on certain parts on my life, or I can trust that God will never leave me and fight back. My body is a temple of God and He wants me to be healthy. He doesn't want me to give Satan a stronghold on any part of my life. But just because God is with me does not make it easy. Usually it makes it more difficult. But I do know that God knows what is best for me. And he knows that any testing of my faith produces perseverance.
I can do this. I know I can because I have a God that is always with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. God calls me to be strong and courageous. I should not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go.