Strong and Courageous

Wait patiently for the LORD; Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

One of my favorite verses that God gave to me at a time when I was hoping and waiting for a lot of things. It has proved a lesson and verse to remember again and again. Today I'm waiting for a chance to go back to Africa, for a new job, for a husband, for a new place to live.

I really love dictionaries, and today looked up some of the words from this verse.

Wait: usually implies staying for a limited time and for a definite purpose
Synonyms: await, linger, remain, abide, tarry, pause, stop.
Strong: physically robust or vigorous, especially powerful , able or competent, able to resist force or stand strain, firm or unfaltering under trial
Synonyms: hale, robust, stalwart, sturdy, uncompromising, solidity, well knit strength that is hard to shake or overcome
Courage: the quality of mind that enables one to encounter difficulties and danger with firmness or without fear
Synonyms: fearlessness, dauntlessness, intrepidity, fortitude, heroism, valor, bravado, valiant
Patience: calm and uncomplaining endurance, as under pain, provocation; calmness in waiting; quiet perseverance
Synonyms: endurance, fortitude, stoicism, stability

The Message says it this way
Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.

NIV
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

A Bible study by Francine Rivers brought up these questions:
Rahab and her family were locked up inside her house within the walls of Jericho-waiting for the promised rescue. In what ways are you locked up?
What kind of waiting place are you in?
What instruction is given in this verse?
What does it mean to you?
On whom do you rely for strength and courage?

Sometimes I want to give up in the waiting. But being strong, brave and courageous means standing up and fighting. It's not a passive thing. So, somehow in this waiting time, I'm fighting too.