Strength & Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9


Observation:
The historic moment to start a nation is right here. Joshua is preparing to take over the land God promised to his ancestors. The task is huge, even in our postmodern standards. The passage reveals two important character traits that will be a priority for both Joshua and the people—strength and courage.
Just imagine the overwhelming logistics of moving more than a million people in tents and at the same time wage war against nations that are more powerful and protected than them. It would require huge amounts of energy and resources. No wonder strength is essential. Also imagine the emotional turmoil that implies to face fierce enemies, fortified cities, and professional giant warriors. They had to have their hearts beating in their throats, adrenaline pumping through their veins, and butterflies in the stomach. The fear of being annihilated and utterly destroyed was certainly in their minds. No wonder courage is essential.
The amazing thing about this passage is that strength and courage are not suggested but commanded. In order to be pioneers and conquerors the people had to become strong and courageous. Without these two characteristics there cannot be victory.


Application:
If we are to become more victorious conquerors we must become strong and courageous. But before we commit ourselves to develop these two virtues in our character, we must understand their biblical significance. The world teaches two concepts about strength and courage that differ from Scripture.
The biblical definition of strength is not the absence of weakness, but trust that there is someone stronger and invisible fighting in our side regardless of our obvious weaknesses. Such awareness can only come with a sincere communion with that Spiritual being. Every time that the Scripture commands strength from our part it associates relationship with God. That’s why the book of the Law had to be continually in the meditations of the people. The strength of Israel didn’t come from military training, or chariots, or horses, but by their trust in the Name of the Lord.
The biblical definition of courage is not the absence of fear, but bold and unwavering action despite of emotions. In order to be courageous we cannot wait until fear disappears. We must move forward and face our fears with unprecedented determination. Again, the source of courage is not in our inner positivism but in our spiritual communion with the Lord that is faithful to takes us through the fire without burning our skin. If He is with us wherever we go, there is no reason to avoid courage. For that reason, we must entertain His presence in our lives with consistent communion with His presence.


PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please forgive me for the times when I bring up excuses for not moving on in my life and conquer the areas where the enemy camps freely. I commit myself to be strong and courageous regardless of my weakness and fears. I choose to trust Your way to lead me and I assume full responsibility in my behavior as your servant. Please help me to build full trust in You in the areas where You are asking me to conquer and I feel completely incapable physically and emotionally. Please change my milksop attitude and change my victimized mindset for the mindset of a conqueror. Give me boldness to face my fear of rejection, my fear of failure, and my fear of abandonment. Use me to posses the blessings you have for our church and give me wisdom to lead our people into your promises with strength and courage. AMEN!