Be Strong and Courageous

 Take 2 on being Strong (30423)

Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

In the face of difficult life’s problems, it is not easy to be strong. Being strong is made possible when we realize our weakness, and inability to do it on our own. The mere determination of our will only take us so far. Paul writes, “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Joshua was stepping into some big shoes. Moses, the mouthpiece of God, brought the Israelite out of Egypt by putting his trust in the Almighty to deliver. Now Joshua was being asked to take Israelites into the promised land. As we walk with God, He brings things into our lives that appear insurmountable. The stress and expectation of our jobs, the responsibilities of caring for those God has entrusted us with, The mental stress of new challenges, and the many other countless problems we face day to day. It’s ok to confess weakness and realize that we are only human and we need God to be with us and give us the help and strength to be strong when our human strength has been depleted. We all are on a journey following where God leads us. He will not leave or forsake us. He is our stronghold, and in Him we can be strong and courageous.

Be Strong and Good Courage

 Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go.

Joshua was given a great responsibility. He was asked to fill some pretty big shoes. Moses, a man chosen by God to bring Israel out of Egypt just died, and mourning of his death has come to an end. But, God was not done bringing a full deliverance to Israel. Joshua, a warrior, no stranger to battle was now in charge. His marching orders were to conquer the land before him. For such a time as this, Joshua was God’s vessel, the man He would work through to accomplish His will. Like Joshua, God has a work for each one of us to fill, it may seem difficult and impossible, but He has not left us to do it alone. He encourages us to be strong, don’t be discouraged, and fear what others may do or say. If God has spoken to your heart, He has promised to be with you. Obey the voice of God, step out in faith and believe that “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Eph 3;20). Be strong and of good courage, we serve a mighty God who will not leave us or forsake us.

Just Do It!

1 Chor 28:20…Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, …

“Just Do It” Taking on new challenges can be exciting, but also a time of trepidation to think of the possibility of failure. Crossing new bridges not knowing what life will bring us on the other side. Going forward, and entering into a new transition of life does not have to be scary. If we know that God is leading, and He is brazing the trail before us, we can hold on to His promises that He will give us the strength and courage to just do it! Life is always changing and sometime those changes are out of our control. We approach each change trusting God to guide and direct our steps. Taking those steps of faith, will not always be easy, but He will not leave us or fail us if we step out in faith and just do it!