In the 18 verses of the first chapter of Joshua this command is given four times (verses 6, 7, 9 and 18.) God had given Joshua leadership over the children of Israel after the death of Moses and had instructed Joshua to cross over the Jordan River and possess the land. The Lord’s protection went with Joshua along with the exhortation: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
The same God that enabled Joshua to lead his people to their new home stands ready to help each of us in the pursuit of God’s will for our lives. You may already know what the Lord has for you to do. He may have given you clear direct communication as to the direction your life and ministry should take. If so, be strong and courageous because God is with you.
If you don’t yet know what the Lord has for you but are seeking His will don’t lose heart, God’s answer will come. “Be strong and courageous,” God’s promises are true. Remember the words of Deuteronomy 4:29: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Many are the times we have tried and failed but we have never failed when we knew the Lord’s will. Jesus cannot fail and through Him we can have a confidence that builds courage, strength and spiritual backbone. When we face a task knowing that we are in the will of God we know that He will go before us and make the way clear.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Wherever we go” covers a lot of ground doesn’t it? Do you think it means He is with us even when we don’t know exactly where we are (spiritually) or where we are going? Certainly! When we fail? Of Course! How about when we are discouraged? Especially then!
Do you remember facing what seemed to be an insurmountable problem as a child? You went to your parents and explained your awful circumstances and the details of a problem you felt had no solution. Do you remember the way you felt when your father or mother said, “Don’t worry about it anymore, I’ll take care of everything?” You felt light as a feather and never doubted that your parents would do exactly what they said they would do.
Should we not have even more confidence in the promises of God? “Be strong and courageous,” “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
We must take our cares, our questions, our problems and our praise to the Lord. And when answers come and God’s will is clear, He will give us the courage and strength to act if we are willing to accept His answer.
God grant us the willingness to believe, the strength to act and the courage to walk in His will.
God bless you as you seek His direction.
