Be Strong and Courageous

In Joshua 1, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous as he would soon lead the people into the promised land. There would be battles awaiting Joshua and the Israelites, but God promised to always be with him and together they would conquer the enemies and Joshua would be prosperous and successful.

Joshua had to be told “be strong and courageous” multiple times by God. He was even told that by the people he led. I’m sure Joshua had to question himself on whether he could accomplish what God wanted him to accomplish. But you know what? That message of strength sunk in! As we continue to read Joshua, we see the power of God on Joshua’s life to lead the people into victory over and over again. Later we even see the roles reversed and it’s JOSHUA who tells the people to be strong and courageous in Joshua chapter 10.

When we are beginners in something God is asking us to do, we DO need the word of the Lord comforting us. We need the voice of believers telling us that God is with us and that we, too, need to be strong and courageous. The more battles we fight and the more times we see God come through for us, the more our faith is strengthened. We become so full of confidence in our God that we eventually begin to encourage and strengthen others with our faith.

Don’t shrink back from the big thing God is asking you to do. If you feel Him leading you, be confident that He will never leave you stranded and all alone. Be strong and courageous knowing that God has a purpose and a plan for your life and that plan will be for the good of His kingdom and for those around you. Persevere and follow God! Just think of the things you will do and the adventures you will have as you say yes to God! Your faith will grow and your confidence in the Lord will be strong enough to lift others when they need that extra boost of confidence.