Be Strong and Courageous: Joshua Style
Be Strong and Courageous
This week I've had some great reminders of why we need to lean on the Lord for our strength, even when the vision for our work is clear. I love what I do, and week after week, God continues to make a way for His plan to play out through the various activities that are taking place. When we align our will with God's, the fulfillment we get from the effort is outstanding.
BUT—the effort and the continued challenges persist. Sometimes we need to lean on God for strength. Other times, it's for courage when we're faced with new situations or opportunities that we feel ill-equipped to handle. Just remember—if God has called you to it and placed a decision before you, He will always provide the means and the resources to the degree you are willing to continue.
If you're someone who is feeling challenged for strength or courage, today let's recall what Joshua stepped into after the death of Moses. God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid as he steps into his calling of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Our obstacles are likely far less physically daunting than the ones Joshua faced. That alone should give us some peace.
God is just as much at work today as He was back then, but our enemies are working just as hard to create doubt and fear within us. Let's not let them. When we're tired—let's ask God to be our strength. When we are nervous or afraid—let's ask God to give us the words and the actions to take. He wants more for us than we could possibly imagine. Today, let's be like Joshua.
Key Phrases in Joshua 1:
"Be strong and courageous" appears three times:
Joshua 1:6 – Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
Joshua 1:7 – Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 – 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.
"Do not be afraid" appears once, in Joshua 1:9.
"Do not be discouraged" also appears in Joshua 1:9, reinforcing the command to trust in God’s presence and strength.
Why So Many Repetitions?
Joshua was stepping into huge shoes—Moses had just died, and now he had to lead an entire nation into battle.
Fear and doubt were natural—God knew Joshua would feel overwhelmed, so He repeatedly reassured him.
God’s presence is the reason for courage—The key promise in Joshua 1:9 is “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
So today, if you're facing something that feels overwhelming, remember that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous. Often in business we feel that the weight rests solely on our shoulders to make things happen. You don’t have to do it alone—He is with you, just as He was with Joshua.
-Mark
