Strong and Courageous
11:08 AM
What baffles me, more than anything else, is how God continues to speak to me. I mean it. Why? The longer I walk with Him, the more I’m made aware of my own depravity and my constant need for him. I am hopeless. I am so unworthy of everything that has been bestowed upon me…and yet, He still loves me. My emotions are getting the better of me even as I write this…
So let me push on to a grim revelation this morning I had in Joshua…
Joshua 1:6-9
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 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. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
At first glance I see the obvious… “Be strong and courageous”, is the point that God is trying to convey to Joshua. I don’t know if it could be a bit more obvious…I mean God said it three times right? God also says that Joshua will lead the people into the land that He had promised them. So that is good news right? Then how come Joshua needs so much courage and strength?
And here is where most people lose heart…
When you arrive at the point where your dreams become reality, we often think they will be just handed over. We never seem prepared for the battle that will ensue. God revealed to Joshua that the promise will happen…and it won’t come easy or pretty. Wars never are…but succeed…we will. Overcome…absolutely. Is it going to be ugly, messy, and probably change my view on life, the world, and even God? Most definitely…
And you know what?
Joshua was never the same…and neither will I be…
