Be Strong and Do the Work

A Message for New Believers from 1 Chronicles 28:20

“Then David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.”

1 Chronicles 28:20

For those who have recently come to faith in Christ, the beginning of the Christian life can feel both joyful and overwhelming. There is the excitement of forgiveness, the discovery of grace, and the new awareness that God has called His people into a living relationship with Him. At the same time, there can be uncertainty about how to move forward, how to grow, and how to walk faithfully in this new life. The words spoken by King David to his son Solomon offer enduring encouragement for every believer who is beginning their journey with God.

David spoke these words when Solomon was about to undertake a great task: building the temple of the Lord. Solomon was young and inexperienced. The responsibility before him was enormous. Yet David’s instruction was simple and powerful. He told Solomon to be strong, to be courageous, and to do the work that God had set before him. The foundation of this command was not Solomon’s own strength or wisdom, but the promise that the Lord would be with him and would never fail him.

This same truth is vital for new believers to understand. The Christian life is not built upon personal ability or spiritual maturity. It begins with the grace of God and continues by His sustaining presence. When someone places faith in Jesus Christ, God does not simply forgive sins and then leave the believer to walk alone. Scripture teaches that God comes near to His people. He dwells with them, guides them, and strengthens them for the life He calls them to live.

For those who are new to the faith, there will be moments when doubts arise or challenges appear. Old habits may still struggle for influence. Questions about the Bible and about God’s will may surface. These experiences are common for those who are growing spiritually. David’s words remind believers that fear and discouragement are not meant to define the journey. God calls His people to courage because His presence makes courage possible.

The instruction to “be strong and courageous” does not mean that believers must rely on their own determination. Spiritual strength grows through dependence on God. As new believers spend time in prayer, read the Scriptures, and gather with other followers of Christ, they begin to learn that God supplies what He commands. Courage is not the absence of difficulty but the confidence that God is faithful in the midst of it.

David also told Solomon to “do the work.” Faith is not merely a feeling or an idea. It leads to a life that actively responds to God. For new believers, this work begins with simple obedience. Learning to follow Christ day by day is the foundation of spiritual growth. This includes turning away from sin, learning to love others, and seeking to honor God in everyday decisions.

God does not ask new believers to accomplish everything at once. Spiritual maturity develops over time. Just as a child grows gradually into adulthood, so believers grow through consistent steps of faith. Reading a portion of Scripture, offering sincere prayers, showing kindness to others, and participating in the life of a church community are all part of the work God gives to His people. Each small step becomes part of the larger work God is accomplishing in the believer’s life.

The promise that follows David’s command is especially important. He assures Solomon that the Lord will not fail him or forsake him. This promise reflects a central theme throughout the Bible: God is faithful to His people. New believers often fear that their weaknesses will cause them to fall beyond God’s care. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that God’s faithfulness is greater than human weakness.

God does not abandon His children when they struggle. Instead, He patiently teaches, corrects, and strengthens them. When believers stumble, the grace of God invites them to return, to receive forgiveness, and to continue walking forward. This assurance creates a foundation of hope. The Christian life is sustained not by human perfection but by divine faithfulness.

David also spoke about completing the work for the service of the house of the Lord. While Solomon was building a physical temple, the New Testament reveals that God now builds a spiritual house made of people who belong to Christ. Each believer becomes part of this living structure. God shapes the lives of His people so that they reflect His character and serve His purposes in the world.

For new believers, this means that their lives have a purpose within God’s greater plan. The journey of faith is not merely about personal growth but about participation in God’s work. Every act of love, every word of truth, and every step of obedience becomes part of the testimony of God’s kingdom. The Lord uses ordinary people to display His grace and truth to others.

Because of this calling, courage remains necessary. The world does not always understand or welcome the message of Christ. Following Jesus may sometimes require standing firm in faith when others disagree or question those beliefs. Yet believers are reminded that God’s presence is greater than any challenge. The One who calls His people also equips them to remain faithful.

For those who are new to the faith, the words of 1 Chronicles 28:20 serve as both encouragement and guidance. They remind believers that God’s calling is accompanied by His presence. Fear and discouragement do not have the final word. Instead, God invites His people to move forward with confidence in Him.

Being strong and courageous begins with trusting that God is who He says He is. Doing the work begins with simple obedience and a willingness to learn. And the promise that God will never fail or forsake His people provides the assurance needed for the entire journey.

The Christian life is a path of continual growth, guided by the faithfulness of God. As believers take steps forward in faith, they discover more deeply that the Lord who called them is also the Lord who sustains them. His presence remains constant, His grace remains sufficient, and His purposes continue until the work He has begun is brought to completion.