“Be Strong and Courageous” Pt 2 of 2:
God gave these words to Joshua after the passing of Moses. Reading the first chapter of Joshua, one might wonder what the new leader would face as he continued the task of leading the Israelites to Canaan. Three different times Joshus was told, “Be strong and courageous. Be strong and very courageous!” What would go through your mind if the Lord gave those words to you at the beginning of a day? Anxious? Nervous? Hesitant? Certainly, there’s cause to wonder is something bad about to happen.
Verse 9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Knowing the Lord has promised to be with us should bring great comfort, but as we walk through life, we’ll face unexpected and unknown things that cause concern.
Accepting a challenge, whether it’s a child going to school for the first time, a graduate heading off to college, moving out of your parent’s home, and living on your own, or beginning a new job can all be overwhelming for an individual. Facing the unknown can be scary, but sometimes facing what is known is worse. God knew what Joshua would face as he led millions of Israelites through the wilderness. It would be a trip where his faith would be tested.
“Be strong and very courageous” were words Joshua not only needed to hear, but they also needed to be relied upon every step of the journey. When you are lonely and afraid, ask God to give you strength and courage. When you’ve done everything you possibly can do in a given situation, know in your heart God is with you because He promised he would be. Be confident that He’s with you, even when you can’t hear his voice or sense his presence.
Sometimes you’ll feel alone, but you aren’t alone. He hasn’t forgotten or forsaken you. Remember, His plan for your life is still at work, even when nothing is making sense to you. God is faithful to his word. When facing adversity, he will help us “Be strong and very courageous.” Don’t ever give up! He’s with you because he said he would be.
Pastor Carnes
