“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be Strong
History was made at a prestigious international Strongman competition in 2023 when a Canadian flag was held atop the podium. Mitchell “Moose” Hooper from Barrie, Ontario, was crowned The World’s Strongest Man in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Sunday, April 23. Hooper beat out nine other competitors from the United States, Ukraine, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Australia in the hard-fought finals. He is the first Canadian in the event’s 46-year history to be named the Strongest Man Alive.
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My dad was always with me when I went through some of the most challenging times in my life. He had been patient with me when I was learning to drive, spending hours with me in empty parking lots, teaching me to parallel park, and backing into narrow spaces. Then it came time for my driver’s test, and he came with me for that, too, giving me the courage to get my license on the first attempt. If the presence of a human father can have that kind of effect, imagine the effect on our lives knowing that our Creator God is always with us, no matter what challenges we are facing. In Deuteronomy 31:6 we read: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Whatever the “driver’s test” you are facing today, know that the Lord God is going with you. There is no need for terror or fear because He will never leave you. Take time to pray, and keep praying – He is right there beside you and within you. So, be strong and courageous.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley