A Time to Be Strong and Courageous

The words of encouragement which one leader spoke over his successor continue to inspire us. “Be strong and courageous,” he said. The leader passing on the baton of responsibility was none other than Moses, as Joshua prepared to take over his position. Few, if any, people in history could relate to such a transfer of authority and responsibility. As Moses’ season of leading the people had ended, a new era of leadership filled the gap.

“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 1:9

As I look back over the various seasons of my life, I realize that this admonition applied to them all. When we aim to succeed or overcome, weakness will never be an option. Rather than rest or reprieve, tenacity and strength are most often required. Can you relate?

God chose Moses to lead His people out of the bondage of Egypt. However, God chose Joshua, someone from the next generation, to lead His people into their promised inheritance. Two powerful men … two distinct calls and anointings … one mentored the other until the time was right.

Be Strong

Strength and courage inseparably weave together to bring us into all the promises of God. Human power proves undependable and will ultimately fail. God’s inexhaustible strength never does.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2

The Bible reinforces this truth on several occasions.

• “…the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10.
• “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains” Psalm 121:1-2 MSG.
• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.
• “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me…” Psalm 28:7.
• “…Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty” Haggai 2:4.
• “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26.

Do these passages of Scripture encourage you? Do you sense God’s assurance of God anchoring you?

May we never forget that God is with us. He is for us, promising to be our strength. The battles we face belong to God.

Be Courageous

As we trust in God’s promises and wait in His Presence, He gives us courage. Though fear or discouragement may be natural human responses when we face overwhelming tasks, courage established on our relationship with God will carry us through.

“…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

The command to dismiss fear and discouragement calls us to faith, trusting in God’s power and His faithfulness. How? “The Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.” Wherever we go today and wherever we go tomorrow, Immanuel, God with us, promises to never leave us.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

God’s promise to never leave us ultimately points us to Jesus. His unfailing Presence provides comfort and empowerment us from every nation and through all circumstances. God is with us — now and forever.

Be Strong and Courageous

We need both, don’t we? To remain godly in our schools and universities requires strength and courage It takes strength and courage to raise our children by biblical standards. We must be strong and courageous to influence our workplaces and communities for Jesus. Nothing replaces strength and courage to stand up for righteousness and justice. We need both as we take back territory the enemy has stolen from God’s people.

But oh! What a relief to know this strength is rooted in Christ Jesus and comes from Him not in ourselves.

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6-7 MSG

This promise reoccurs throughout Scripture. Today, let’s receive His promise and take courage, my friends. Let’s lean into and rely upon His strength. He is completely faithful and trustworthy.

By the grace of God, you and I were made to overcome and to enjoy God’s perfect promises.

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