Be Strong and Courageous

Be Strong and Courageous

<><

“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 1:7-9 (NLT2)

<><

Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God's law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of Instruction—God's Word. To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. You may not succeed by the world's standards, but you will be a success in God's eyes—and his opinion is most important.¹

<><

God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous in obeying God, in obeying His law and obeying His Word. He was to obey everything that Moses had written. Note exactly what God told Joshua to do with the Word of God:

Ø He was to obey all God's law.

Ø He was not to turn away from God's Word.

Ø He was never to stop sharing God's law or Word.

Ø He was to meditate on God's Word day and night. This would assure obedience.

Ø The result of his obedience would be prosperity and success. All that he and the Israelites put their hands to would prosper and be successful.

God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous in overcoming fear and discouragement (Joshua 1:9). Having to face enemy after enemy, year-after-year—having to make the decision to send young men, husbands, and fathers into battle time and again who would be witnessing the bloodshed and horror of battle after battle—all this could break down the strength and courage of any commander and army. God knew this, and He cared for Joshua. Therefore, God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous in overcoming whatever fear or discouragement attacked him. To encourage and assure Joshua, God gave him the promise of His continued, unbroken presence. God promised that He would go with Joshua wherever he went, never forsaking or leaving him.

THERE ARE TWO STRONG LESSONS FOR US IN THIS CHARGE GIVEN TO JOSHUA.

We Must Be Strong And Courageous In Obeying God.

We must keep His law, His commandment, and Holy Word. We must never turn away from His Word; rather, we must meditate on it day and night. If we obey God, living in His Word and keeping His commandments, we will prosper and be successful in whatever we do. Whatever we put our hands to will be blessed by God. God will give us purpose, achievement, and fulfillment throughout life. But note: this promise is given only to those who obey God by meditating in His Word day and night, only to those who do exactly what He says.

We Must Be Strong And Courageous As We March Throughout Life.

Fear and discouragement can be conquered only as we are strong and courageous. God is with us, and He will never leave nor forsake us. This is His promise to us just as it was to Joshua. His unfailing presence is always with us wherever we go. Therefore, we must stand strong and courageous against all the enemies, trials, and temptations that confront us. No matter how many crushing problems, tough situations, or difficult people we face—no matter how many lustful temptations or terrifying trials we face—God is right there with us. God will deliver us and give us victory over the enemy that confronts us. We must stand strong and courageous, conquering, and fulfilling our task for the Lord.²

<><

¹Life Application Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1988), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 314.

²The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Joshua, (Chattanooga: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1996), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "A. The Necessary Mobilization to Enter the Promised Land, 1:1-18".

<><

"Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs."

https://modesofinfluence.blogspot.com/