9/22/2022 (239)

Did you sense God’s presence giving you strength and courage this past week? Did you savor His promise to be with you wherever you go? Was your journey less lonely and more focused? In Joshua 1:17-18 we see why it’s essential for us to be confident of God’s unremitting presence.

The people Joshua was leading acknowledged that he would meet with rebellion but they wanted him to succeed. They promise their fidelity to Joshua—and then they repeat the words God previously spoke:

“Only be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:18)

Last week we talked about opposition, enemies who seem to pop out at the most annoying times. They approached you before and you shooed them away, only to discover they’ve returned. One is named Fear, another is Insecurity, and they are joined by Doubt. Don’t be surprised if you also find Self-Pity and Grumbling crouching around the corner.

Do not yield to the enemy—turn your back on his taunts, silence him with a rebuke, denounce him with the Word of God. You have been called. You have a work to do. You are involved in purposes higher than you know.

The Lord is for you.

The Holy Spirit is in you.

God’s people need you to succeed.

Listen only to them—the Lord above, the Spirit within, the saints beside you.

Don’t be distracted or discouraged. “Only be strong and courageous.”

9/15/2022 (219)

You didn’t see writing on the wall, but you felt that undeniable nudge of the Holy Spirit. You stepped out, determined to be strong and courageous and obey your God-given inspiration to follow Him—and then things got interesting. Fear whispered, doubt showed up, insecurity offered a checklist of reasons to turn back. If this resonates in your heart, you need God’s third reminder to Joshua:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The inspiration may have dimmed and the zeal may be fading, but God hasn’t changed—He is with you. His faithfulness won’t allow Him to leave your side. The psalmist wrote, “You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you” (Psalm 89:8). You are surrounded!

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. “God will be with you wherever you go.” 

His loving watch care, protection, and provision are always with us—so press on! Count on His love and faithfulness to go before you, His power and strength to equip you. God has gone before you and prepared good works for you to do—be faithful (Ephesians 2:10).

Be strong and courageous—God is with you!

Obedience is an uncomfortable word today. We admire independence, approve marching to one’s own drum, and applaud those who follow their heart. So when we enter new territory in response to God’s direction, our obedience is not always understood or respected. Obeying makes us followers, compliers, responders—and our success will depend on absolute faith in the One we follow. Remaining close to Him will give us strength and courage. Note the descriptive added in Joshua 1:7. 

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey… do not turn from it to the right or to the left, 
that you may be successful wherever you go.”

Be careful. We cannot plunge into the great unknown carelessly. Forward movement calls for focused vision that doesn’t veer to the right or left. This is not only true of the primary goal before us, but includes having a heart submissive to God’s wisdom and ways.

If we think this is easy, we’re wrong. If we think our fervency will protect us, it won’t. If we think zeal will keep us from falling, we’re wrong again. If, however, we realize the One we follow will bring us through and stay close to Him, we will be successful… “wherever we go.”

What direction is God leading you in this fall? What new land will you enter? Students will step into new classrooms. Perhaps you are facing a different job, challenging path, or fresh opportunity. My husband and I anticipate becoming part of a new church home. New is exciting, but it’s also daunting.

When Joshua was about to lead God’s people into a new land God’s word to him was “be strong and courageous.” Apparently it was a much-needed encouragement—God repeated it four times in chapter one. It was also multi-faceted because He added a new descriptive with each reiteration. The first is found in verse 6:

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead…”

When you obey God and move forward with strength and courage, look behind you and you’ll find someone following you. It may not be your intention, but strength and courage is magnetic and draws those who need it for their own path. Don’t shun or discourage them, just press forward—as you follow God’s plan for you, they will learn and discover their own part in God’s purposes.

A strong and courageous leader is also contagious. Following God makes you a natural leader and you may be surprised to find others learning by the example you set. Your devotion and commitment will catch on and those behind you will gain strength… and find they are now being followed. Whatever your current endeavor, be strong and courageous because, when you’re faithful, you will lead others.