Love That Never Fails

34. Be Strong and Courageous

Have you ever wondered what it must be like to suddenly find yourself in the position of leader of a nation? While it must be exciting, in many ways, it would be quite a scary reality, particularly in the difficult circumstances facing all nations today.

This was the reality for Joshua who had been chosen to take over Moses' role in leading God's people.  While it seemed he had very big shoes to fill,  right from the start, Joshua had an incredible advantage! After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua, guiding him, one step at a time so he would be able to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land:

""Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them."
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:2-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How comforting it must have been for Joshua to know that throughout the huge job ahead, he was not going to be alone! God knew everything that was going on in Joshua's heart and mind so we see Him repeating the promise to reassure the new leader that He would be with him in the task ahead but this time adding some very helpful advice:

""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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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 ‭1:7-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Whatever your current position is at this time, these words of advice surely provide keys to success! We really need to know and obey God's Word, in order to be prosperous and successful. Living a life of obedience is so important! There is nothing that will give us a better advantage in life, than remembering that our strength is found in the Lord!

Mediate on these verses and be thankful that the ultimate source of strength lives inside of you!

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.""
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭62:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

It's so wonderful to remember Your words to Joshua and to know that I have everything I need in You, no matter what task appears before me today. You are my salvation and I can trust You and not be afraid! You are my strength and my shield in these difficult times. Thank You for helping me as I put my trust in You. I am so grateful that You will never leave me or forsake me!

Help me to speak Your Word and meditate on it day and night, so that You may guide me safely through the challenges of these days ahead. I choose to obey You and to hold onto all of Your promises! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives inside of me, reminding me that whatever I face today, I am never alone!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.