Strength and Courage

Nov. 6

Read: Joshua 1:1-9

Book of Joshua;

Strength and Courage

“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.” (v.7)

As Joshua stood at the dawn of his new role as the leader of the people of God, the Lord told him 3 times in the span of 10 verses to “be strong and courageous”. Why did the Lord say this over and over again to Joshua? The answer is obvious: walking in faith to lay hold of the place that God has called you to is scary! There is very real opposition in this world that will come against the people of God and his work. There are legitimate reasons to fear… and there are even greater reasons to be “strong and courageous.” The Lord knew the battles that were ahead for his people.

I am sure that Joshua has memories form 40 years earlier when he had spied out the land with Caleb and the other Israelite spies. He was ready to go back then… ready to fight and lay hold of the land. But what about now? What about this moment in time? Forty years of wandering in the wilderness can take its toll on a person! Yet, the Lord declares to Joshua, “be strong and very courageous”. But what was Joshua’s strength and courage to be rooted in? What was the basis for his strength and valor?:

“…go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” (v.2,3)

The Lord was the one “giving” the land and the victories to Joshua and his people. It was the Lord who “promised” these outcomes. The confidence was to be placed in the Lords strength, trustworthiness, and provision. It was not rooted in Joshua’s capacity or the effectiveness of the people of Israel… it was rooted in the Lord being with them. God says as much to Joshua directly:

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (v.5)

It is the Lord’s nearness and steadfastness that forms the foundation for our strength and courage as we face the enemies of God Most High in this world. We will never be able to enter into the places of fullness and blessing that the Lord has for us without strength and courage rooted in him… and it is not our strength and courage but HIS. The Lord is every bit as much with us as he was with Joshua and Moses. The Lord is near to his people still. He has not withdrawn from us nor has he abandoned us as his children. We need to be reminded to lean into the strength and courage he has for us. It is scary to “enter the land”… it is scary to be used by God to make a place “holy”… it is humbling that the Lord’s presence travels in us as his people. Some of us feel as though we have been wandering in the barren wilderness for decades… and it has taken a toll on us! Be strong and courageous. Some of us feel weak and afraid. Ask the Lord today to grant you HIS STRENGTH and COURAGE. Some doubt that the Lord is doing anything in the land of his people. Be reminded that the Lord is making himself present and manifest through is people as we lay hold of the places he has called us to. Expect opposition in this world, but Jesus declares “take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Strength and Courage my friends. Godspeed. Love you guys. - JDP