Be Strong and Do the Work

A Message to Young People from 1 Chronicles 28:20

The words of 1 Chronicles 28:20 speak with clarity and power: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” These words were spoken by King David to his son Solomon as he prepared to build the temple of the Lord. Though they were spoken in an ancient time, their message remains deeply meaningful, especially for young people who are standing at the beginning of their own journeys in life and faith.

Youth is a season full of decisions, dreams, and challenges. It is a time when many questions arise about purpose, direction, and identity. In such a time, the instruction given to Solomon provides a guiding voice. David did not simply tell his son to succeed or to become great. Instead, he urged him to be strong, to be courageous, and to do the work that had been entrusted to him.

Strength in this passage does not only refer to physical ability or personal confidence. Rather, it speaks of inner strength that comes from trusting in God. Young people often face pressures from many directions: expectations from others, the influence of peers, and the uncertainty of the future. In the midst of these pressures, strength is found in standing firm in what is right and remaining faithful to God even when it is difficult.

Courage is closely connected to this strength. Courage is the willingness to move forward even when fear is present. Many young people feel fear about their future, their abilities, or the path that lies ahead. The message given to Solomon reminds young hearts that fear does not need to control their choices. Courage grows when one remembers that God is present and that His guidance is trustworthy.

The verse also includes a very practical command: do the work. Faith is not meant to remain only in thoughts or words. It calls for action. For Solomon, the work was the building of the temple. For young people today, the work may appear in many forms: studying with dedication, serving others with compassion, developing gifts responsibly, and living with integrity in daily life.

Doing the work requires discipline and perseverance. There will be moments when enthusiasm fades and when progress seems slow. In those moments, the encouragement of David becomes especially important. The work that God places before a person is not meant to be abandoned at the first difficulty. Instead, it is meant to be carried forward with patience and faithfulness.

Another important message in this passage is the instruction not to be afraid or discouraged. Fear and discouragement are experiences familiar to many young people. Failure, criticism, and comparison with others can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy. Yet the words spoken to Solomon remind young hearts that discouragement does not have the final word. God’s presence provides hope even in moments of uncertainty.

The promise that follows these instructions is one of the most comforting parts of the verse: the Lord God is with you. This assurance transforms the meaning of strength, courage, and work. They are not tasks that must be faced alone. God’s presence accompanies those who seek to follow His will.

For young people, this promise can bring peace during seasons of transition. School years, friendships, future careers, and personal dreams all bring changes that can feel overwhelming. Yet the presence of God remains constant. The same God who guided Solomon in his responsibility continues to guide young lives today.

The verse also reminds young people that God’s work is meaningful. Building the temple was not merely a construction project; it was a sacred task that reflected devotion to God. In the same way, the efforts of young people in their daily lives can become acts of service when they are carried out with faith and sincerity.

Young hearts are capable of remarkable dedication when they believe that their lives have purpose. This passage invites them to see their lives as part of a larger story in which God is active. Each act of kindness, each moment of perseverance, and each decision to choose what is right contributes to that story.

The encouragement given by David also reflects the importance of guidance from those who have walked the path before. Solomon did not begin his work alone; he received wisdom and encouragement from his father. In the lives of young people today, mentors, teachers, family members, and spiritual leaders can offer similar support. Their encouragement can strengthen faith and help young individuals remain focused on their calling.

At the same time, the responsibility ultimately rests with each young person. Solomon had to take the words he received and act upon them. In the same way, young people are invited to embrace the call to be strong, courageous, and diligent in their own lives.

This message does not promise that the path will be easy. The building of the temple required time, effort, and careful attention. Likewise, the journey of life requires patience and commitment. Yet the verse assures that God does not abandon the work He begins. His presence remains faithful until the task is completed.

For young people standing at the threshold of the future, these words offer a steady foundation. Be strong in faith. Be courageous in facing challenges. Continue doing the work that is good and meaningful. When fear arises, remember that God’s presence provides strength greater than any difficulty.

In every generation, young hearts are called to build something that honors God. Sometimes that building takes the form of character, relationships, service, and faithfulness in everyday responsibilities. Each of these acts becomes part of a larger temple made not of stone but of lives devoted to God.

The message of 1 Chronicles 28:20 continues to echo through time as an invitation and an encouragement. Young people are reminded that they are not too young to begin meaningful work for God. Strength, courage, and dedication can grow in any heart that chooses to trust Him.

Therefore, the call remains clear: be strong, be courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God is with you wherever your journey leads.