Be Strong and Courageous

    

   If God 

   is 

For Us 

WHO

Can be

Against

US 

“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. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -- Joshua 1:6-9

After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the people of Israel were preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter the land God had promised to give Abraham.  Even though Moses had faithfully led the people through the wilderness, he only caught a glimpse of the Promised Land from the top of Mount Pisgah east of the Jordan. Moses died and was buried in the wilderness.

Before his death, God instructed Moses to pass on the mantle of leadership to Joshua. That had to have been a terrifying assignment. But the Lord encouraged Joshua by speaking strength and courage into his life.  Three times the Lord said,  "Be strong and courageous... Be strong and courageous... Be strong and courageous!"

However, God's words of encouragement included some directions.  

First of all, Joshua was reminded that God had chosen him and would not forsake him.  His wasn't being asked to muster his own strength and courageous, but to rely upon God's strength and courage. 

The psalmist reminds us, "The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save" (Psalm 33:17).  When we rely upon our own wisdom, resources and muscle to save us, there is real reason to be afraid, very afraid.  But when we rely upon God's wisdom, resources and power, we are able to be strong and courageous.

Secondly, God's strength and courage are imparted to those who are committed to doing God's will: "Be strong and courageous.  Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you.  Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or the left.  Then you will be successful in everything you do."

When we are careful to obey God's instructions, we will be strong and courageous because, "It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

Finally, we can be strong and courageous because, "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go!"

Wow!  What a promise.  A young shepherd named David may have been sitting on a Judean hillside watching over his sheep one star filled night when he heard God's promise and put it into song, a song we know as the 23rd Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows'
and leads me beside peacful streams.
He renews my strength 
and guides me along right paths
bringing honor to his name.  
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, 
I will not be afraid, 
for you are close beside me.  
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies  
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  
My cup overflows with blessings.  
Surely your goodness 
and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, 
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.