
When a person has suffered a loss, an accident, or a bereavement, friends often say, “Brace up — be a man.” By this, they mean: “Summon your courage and will to endure. Gather your inner strength to support and sustain you in this time of need.”
There are times when we must call on all our spiritual powers to resist opposition. Trouble is inevitable, and we need courage and strength. But the God who watches over us is wise and loving. He will not allow more than we can bear. He makes no mistakes in judging our ability to face life’s circumstances.
Many try to avoid difficulties, but evasion only weakens them. If they miss the conflict, they also miss the strength gained through victory. As the poet A. H. Newton says: “I must fight, if I would win,” and instead of fleeing, he prays, “Increase my courage, Lord.”
He means, “Help me to brace up and win — help me fight like a man, not a coward.”
We have within us many unrealized powers. There is often hidden strength that only appears when we move forward with confidence. Still, sometimes natural strength is not enough, and we need reinforcement.
I once saw the frame of a building erected without braces. A strong wind came, and the whole structure collapsed. The frame was well-built — but lacked support. Our Christian life may be the same: sound in structure, but in need of extra braces at times. God, in his great storehouse, has an ample supply—each one fitted for the place where it’s needed. He invites us to take all we need. Let us find a few and lay them up for future use.
Are you lonely or forsaken? Try these braces:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Surely, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!” (Matthew 28:20)
Are you tempted?
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The escape is already provided—this promise is your brace. And if this one isn’t enough, many others are available.
Are you in distress? Use these:
“From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you.” (Job 5:19)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous — but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
“He gives power to the faint; and to those who have no might, he increases strength. Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29, 31)
Here are braces for fear: “Fear not, I will help you!” and “The angel of the Lord encamps round about those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
Do you have enemies? Are they like an army against you? Take refuge in Psalm 27:5: “In the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion.”
God’s promises are not his only braces. His warnings can serve the same purpose. For example: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Or, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Mark 14:38)
We also find braces in the examples recorded in Scripture. Over and over, God sustained his people, gave them victory, and turned defeat into triumph. Even examples of failure can brace us — if we heed them.
Have you ever needed braces and lacked them? That alone shows the need to be prepared. It’s wise to go through the Bible and mark texts that will help you. Write the word “brace” in the margin beside helpful verses. Then, when you need one and nothing comes to mind, read those marked passages. You’ll be surprised how much help they give.
You might begin with Isaiah 41:13–14: “I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you!’ declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Add as many others as you wish, and soon you’ll be braced up for any emergency.
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.