by The first in a series of 4 messages I am scheduled to speak in the next few days, is about a favorite passage of mine. It is found in Joshua 1 as a transition happens in the leadership of the nation of Israel. God knows the weight of the responsibility that the new leader is feeling and reminds him to be courageous!
I can imagine that as Joshua was taking on a new role as leader of the nation of Israel he was probably questioning his ability to lead. He watched how Moses lead and the troubles he faced with a nation that questioned his every move. Moses led well, but the weight of responsibility fell to Joshua and God knew what was going on in his heart.
Be strong and courageous!
God encouraged Joshua by saying ”Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”
Notice that God gave the command to Be strong and courageous, because He is going to repeat himself! Additionally, God reiterated the promise that the nation would inherit the land and God always keeps his promise.
Be diligent to keep God’s commands!
God goes on to say “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
Whenever doubts may come as to what God would have Joshua to do, God points him back to the Book of the Law. For us as believers, we have the Bible which is God’s clear declaration of His word. By it we can walk courageously having confidence that if God instructed it in black and white, we can be assured that it is His will! Staying in the Word of God builds our confidence in Him!
Be focused on God and He will provide!
God then tells Joshua, “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5–9 (ESV)
Our focus need not be on the provision God gives, but upon the purposes and plans that God has for our lives. His heart is to take care of our clothing, food, and shelter as we focus on seeking Him first. As we do His will through our lives, He will make our efforts a success. Trust Him for the results.
God reminds Joshua for the third time to be strong and courageous. The world would look dark and the enemies would be strong, but God would be with them wherever they go. We can have confidence in the fact that as a believer, He would never leave nor forsake us. He will go with us…let’s go with Him!
It begins with Christ!
If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it all begins with the first step. Committing your life to serve Him is the greatest decision you will make in your life! Finally, for more information on serving the Lord: CLICK HERE!
Thank you for reading, Be Courageous!
Blessings,
Chad
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