“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Imagine hearing about an invasion or attempts to take over a family, church, community, or nation. How do you feel?
Whenever the patriarch of a family, the leader of a church, a community, or even a country dies, you feel like there is a significant loss, especially when it’s by force. But we see in the book of Joshua that he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, even after the death of Moses. Joshua reminded them it wasn’t just them against the world. God was with them every step of the way as He encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6,9).
Nonetheless, their journey was not easy but Joshua did not lack confidence. After all, when Moses was alive, he (Joshua) volunteered to be a spy and raised his hand to go forward when the majority wanted to turn back rather than seize the Promised Land.
The Lord knew the mission Joshua and the Israelites were about to embark on was going to be challenging, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, and it would require someone courageous, resilient, and with good composure. Someone who believed in God and would not become dismayed. Have you ever travelled this path of challenging assignments and tasks? What were the results? Did you endure to the end?
Joshua’s and the Israelites’ success came not from their strength and courage alone but from having an enduring relationship with God, whose laws and commandments are what went with them wherever they journeyed. Are you taking God’s laws and commandments on every one of life’s journeys? The Law taught God’s people how to live righteously in obedience to Him. It also showed them their need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Unlike the cruel and wicked nations around, God called His people to be different. Their journey was tough, and the road was long, but they were able to find courage in God’s might.
My brothers, finding strength and courage in difficult situations do not always come from physical strength. Rather, it comes from finding God even amidst your circumstances. God promises to give you the strength you need. What situations are you facing today? The courage you need is there for asking! Ask!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking I can do it all in my own strength. Lord, amid all difficulties and trials, I choose to endure and find You. I confess I can’t do it on my own. I thank You, oh God, for Your strength. This I pray in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 4:9; 1 Corinthians 1:27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 74:18-23; Acts 12:20-25; Acts 13:1-12; I Kings 3:16-28; I Kings 4; I Kings 5
