The word Fortitude as defined by Webster’s is: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage. Fortitude isn’t bad. We want to be strong and face obstacles courageously. With so many hardships in life it is good to get through them and still be standing.
Two bible verses come to mind when I reflect on this.
“Therefore put on the full amour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NIV
“Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV
I have spent a large amount of my life knowing God and yet falling back to my own strength to get me through tough times. I have many experiences that when I look back on, I can’t believe I made it through. I know my Heavenly Father was always with me. It was me who kept trying without Him. I would go with my own strength, and with fortitude I would press on toward victory. But without God I would often feel defeated. Many times I felt like I was just going through the motions of life. Doing, saying, and living a fabricated strength.
God has told us there will be days of evil and we are to stand our ground. But, He tells us that we will stand with His protection and guidance.
Stand firm in the faith. It has taken me far too long to accept this truth. At times I still try life on my own. I want to show God how strong I am. God is not looking for my independent work, my way, and my strength. He wants us to go to Him. He wants us to lean on Him. He wants us to trust Him.
Trusting God When Fortitude Fails You 