Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:6-9

“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua was facing an overwhelming challenge. He was to take a nation of Bedouins with their families and herds of animals to conquer a land of great walled cities, and men in armor riding in chariots. It was like the Masai warriors taking on the US Marines. The odds were totally against Israel. However, in this portion of Scripture God gives Joshua three reasons they could be strong and courageous against these odds.

The first reason was that their victory was based on God’s promises. “You shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” “You shall!” It was a done deal, no matter what the odds were against them. Revelation 13:8 says, “Christ was slain before the foundation of the earth.” In God’s mind and time frame, redemption of man was accomplished before man was created. In God’s mind Canaan was already belonging to Israel before the first battle was fought, because God had promised it to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

The second reason for success was God’s law. God’s promises are based on God’s ways. God’s law is not bondage, but a lifestyle that leads to victory. God’s laws are an expression of himself. David said, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalms 119:97) David was in love with God, and he was in love with God’s law. Psalms 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” God told Joshua, if you meditate on my law day and night and do all that is written in it, your way will prosper and you will have good success.

The third reason we can be strong and courageous when all odds seem to be against us is because God commanded it. Our success is not contingent on our ability, other people, or our circumstances. Out success is based on the authority of Almighty God. Hebrews 6:13-14 says, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." God’s word, God’s promises and our success are based squarely on the character and authority of God.

No matter what you are facing today, dust off God’s Word and His promises and be strong and courageous, “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Andy Clark