Be Strong and Courageous

Do you need to hear those words?

Apparently Joshua did. After the death of Moses, Joshua was the designated leader of God’s people into the promise land. God says these words to Joshua, then he repeats them:

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do (Joshua 1:5-7 NIV).

Then at the end of the chapter, the people say it to Joshua again:

Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous! (Joshua 1:18).

Three times Joshua is told to be strong and courageous. God uses these reminders to assure Joshua that he has nothing to fear because he will never be alone — God is on his side and always with him as he walks in the way of the LORD.

Do you need to hear those words? If so, here they are: "Be strong and courageous."

Is your child is sick and you feel helpless and powerless to do anything to make him better or help ease her pain, discomfort, or disease? Have the doctors ordered every test imaginable and still have no explanation? "Be strong and courageous."

Are you looking for a job? Have you recently learned that your position with the company is being phased out? Have you worn yourself out searching for a job and still have nothing? "Be strong and courageous."

Are you struggling to keep your marriage together? Has your spouse indicated that he no longer wants to try to work to make things better? "Be strong and courageous."

Are you beginning to wonder if the mate you have dreamed of and prayed about is ever going to appear? Are your dreams of the perfect wedding beginning to fade? "Be strong and courageous."

You have been waiting for the call that the adoption has been approved, but the call has not come. You wonder what could possibly be wrong. What more can you do? "Be strong and courageous."

Are you waiting for your son to come home? Are you longing to hear your daughter’s voice on the telephone? Are you wondering if your parents will let you in the house if you go home? "Be strong and courageous."

Have you done so many things wrong you have serious doubts that anyone could every forgive you? Is your list of sins so long you and so horrendous you are confident that God could never want you in His family? "Be strong and courageous."

Are you being called on to lead your church during a crucial time? Are you unsure if you have the ability to lead? Do you wonder if God may have made a mistake by placing you in a leadership position? "Be strong and courageous."

When God saw that Joshua needed to be encouraged and affirmed to lead His people He reminded of His constant presence, His watchful eye, and His provision and strength. He told him, be strong and courageous. He will do the same for you. He will say the same thing to you. He is saying the same thing for you. "Be strong and courageous."