Joshua faced the greatest task of his life. Moses had died, and now he was to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land—a land where giants lived. At that very moment, God spoke to him.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Courage Is a Command—and God Makes It Possible
God doesn’t say, “Try to feel brave.” He commands: “Be strong and of a good courage!” God never demands anything without laying the foundation Himself. The reason for Joshua’s courage is God’s promise: the LORD thy God is with thee. Several times in this chapter God repeats that Joshua is to be strong and courageous (see Joshua 1:6–7).
Courage doesn’t mean fear never knocks at the door again. Courage means you decide to believe God’s Word more than your fear—and then you step out.
God’s Word Makes You Strong
Notice what God equips Joshua with: not a strategy, but His Word. The book of the law was not to depart out of his mouth; he was to meditate on it day and night and do according to it—then he would have good success (see Joshua 1:8). Courage grows where God’s Word is in your mouth and in your heart.
That little word whithersoever applies to you, too. At the office, in the hospital, in the classroom, at the kitchen table. There is no place in your week where God isn’t already present. Jesus promised to be with us always, even unto the end of the world (see Matthew 28:20).
So you don’t enter this week in fear, but strong and of a good courage. You go into the land God shows you and take possession of what He has promised you.
Faith in Action
- Name the situation in which you need courage this week.
- Speak Joshua 1:9 out loud over that very situation.
- Take one concrete step of faith that you have put off because of fear.
Where are you stepping out boldly this week? Let us know in the comments under the post on Facebook—we are standing with you in faith.
Missions-Zentrum | Balkan Outreach – learn more about our ministry on our About Us page.