Be of good courage
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel; be strong and of good courage for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
So Joshua is leading a new generation of Israelites into the land God promised their forefathers, (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) into the Promised Land, the land known as Canaan. Biblical history tells us of the covenant God made with Abraham, the father of all nations.
Abraham had never heard the voice of God before, he didn’t see God, yet God tells him to go, and he goes. Abraham had no doubt, he had faith. Abraham was not afraid, why? God said; “Do not be afraid Abraham, I Am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” So what would have been the biggest change from the world he knew and left to the world where he was going? The biggest difference would be leaving an area that was the core of civilization to a place that was just emerging.
This new place was not the heart of everything. But because he went, it became the heart of everything. Abraham begins a brand new cycle ordained by God. He goes by faith into an unknown land. Joshua goes by faith into an unknown land. And in many ways, we too go in faith throughout our lives.
God spoke to Abraham and Sarah his wife, “Go to a place you do not know.” God told Moses to go to a place he did not know. And in the scripture we read this morning, God speaking through Moses told Joshua to go to a place he did not know.
When Joshua became the leader of the Israelite, God still reaffirm his word to Joshua to be strong and be courageous, for He will be with him through the new phase of life. Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Where is your place today? Their journey began with hesitation and with fear; and God said, “Go, and do not be afraid.” First hesitation, then fear, then hope.
There is always hope, no matter what we are facing. “Be of strength and good courage”, those words spoken to Joshua as he was to lead God’s people to the land beyond the Jordan. Strength and courage are the foundation we need to set out…..to continue….and to ultimately complete our journeys.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope beyond the shore, there is peace after the storm. Whatever you are going through today and it seems impossible to accomplish, hear the word of God today, be strong and good courage, it will be possible.
God will be with you until victory is attained.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help me, give me the courage to stand firm in you in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, give me the grace never to give up in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.