Be Encouraged
January 5, 2026
Back in the day the Beatles wrote and sang a birthday song. The first verse went like this…
It’s my birthday too, yeah
They say it’s your birthday
We’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you
Often birthdays tend to be a good time. A time when people acknowledge you, with cards, phone calls, Facebook posts and that birthday cake that seems to get brighter each year with another additional candle.
Yet life isn’t a continuous party, it isn’t a constant barrage of birthday wishes, it’s not 100’s of people reaching out to you on Facebook to acknowledge your accomplishments. Sometimes there are days when we don’t hear from anyone, those days when we seem alone and overwhelmed with life and wonder if anyone even notices.
Joshua had a day like that. So, God gave a word to Joshua… “Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land, I swore to their forefathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6
Notice God did not say, good luck Joshua in taking the land. God didn’t say it’s up to you Joshua to take that city, to overcome those nasty inhabitants, to win that battle. Joshua did not go into battle hoping that he would win, Joshua went into that battle knowing he would win. God said, “be strong and courageous.” Why, because “(you will) inherit the land, I swore to (your) forefathers.”
Joshua entered that battle knowing that God had promised him the victory. From God’s point of view, the battle had already been waged, and Joshua had already been victorious. The same can be said of the battle you are currently waging, or that victory over the enemy you see coming upon the horizon.
The question is not will you overcome life difficulties, the question is, when will you overcome, and how will God do it. Remember, God said to the Israelites and He says to you… For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
You say it’s your birthday
It’s my birthday too, yeah
They say it’s your birthday
We’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you
So, enjoy your birthday today and be encouraged, knowing that God has all your days, and He has you!
Brian G
’54 / ’66 Columbia SC
Doris Jean H
’44 / ’55 Manheim PA