STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Post date: Apr 20, 2012 7:57:37 AM

“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.  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  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 1:6-9

These were the words given to Joshua by God on the very first day of his mission to lead the people of Israel after the death of Moses. While God was interested in leading the people of Israel to fulfill His promise to Abraham, He was also interested in their leaders. When God gives you definite instructions concerning anything in life, know that the deal is sealed to your favor when you follow such instructions.  He will not ask you to be strong or saved if there is nothing good at stake. You are about to arrive at the promise and you need a little more push of spiritual strength. He had been with you all these years and he cannot afford to leave you behind or allow the devil to take you over. Every instruction of God is with a promise and carries a blessing.

When great things are to be accomplished, spiritual strength is needed and is preferred. God told Joshua three time be strong and told him the area he to be strong in.

Be strong in good courage, be strong and very courageous. God knew the oppositions and battles he will face and gave him the hint of overcoming them ‘good courage’. After receiving salvation, you need to build yourself up with courage because the devil, though very fearful, will always try you, tempt you, frustrate you and discredit you. But with courage in the word of God and in the Lord Jesus Christ, victory will be yours. Remember God told him the first time, be strong and of a good courage and in the second and third time, He said, be strong and very courageous. That is the word for you right now, build on your level of courage until you become very courageous. Build on what you have achieved so far until you are soundly grounded.   

Be strong in faith and not in facts. Be strong in good meditation on the word of God and not on gossips and thoughts of doing evil or retaliation.  Be strong in resisting evil, not in compromise or abating that which is evil.  Be strong in doing well and seeking peace, not in discord, destruction and disunity.  Be strong in relationship that promotes you before God and men. Be strong in things that you can talk about openly with fear of intimidation and curse. Be strong, be focused, be godly, be truthful and be in peace with God and man.  

There are everything everywhere to weaken the soul and the body but your resolve to remain courageous and focused is important to your success. Don’t drift to the right or to left in courage and determination to walk with God irrespective of the distractions.

The final reward that was set before Joshua is also set before you today, prosperity and good success. “For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”. God is interested in you for good.

As you develop and maintain good courage, be assured that, as God was with Joshua and rewarded him, He will be with you and reward you. God will not forsake you.