In preparing TGW for next week, I spent some time reading the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua. There we read that God has picked Joshua to be the new leader of the Israelites. The man has big sandals to fill. Moses is gone and the people have still not entered the land promised to them by God.
Joshua was a trusted worker with Moses. He knows just how difficult leading the Israelites has been. This is why four different times God tells Joshua to be "strong and courageous."
Those are good words of encouragement. They're the kind of words we might tell someone who is a little fearful or uncertain of a challenging situation. "You can do it!" we say. "Be strong! Be courageous! You've got this!"
However, all the encouragement in the world doesn't help much when we're freaking out over having to give a speech or go on a job interview or climb in the contraption that does MRI's. Or leading a "stiff-necked" people to the promised land.
In Joshua's case, he could look forward to this new assignment. It wouldn't be easy. The challenges would be too numerous to count. This is because God's words to Joshua were not simply a pep talk. No, they were so much more.
Here's verse nine of chapter one: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified and do not be overwhelmed, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua could confidently move forward because of the promise of God's presence. The new leader's task would not fall on his shoulders alone. God would be with Joshua with every step he and the people took.
In the very next chapter, Joshua sent out spies to get the lay of the land, so to speak. They connect with a woman named Rahab, a prostitute. Not exactly someone you'd think who would be a reliable connection. But Rahab hides the spies from the King of Jericho. Then, in verse nine, the prostitute reaffirms the promise God made to Joshua.
"She said to the men, 'I know the Lord has given you the land'." Rahab has had her eyes and ears open. She knows of God's mighty miracles. She aware of how God has been going ahead of the people, removing obstacles in their way. All she asks for is some kindness because she knows that God is with His people.
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Way and the Truth and the Life? Then you are one of God's people. And God's promise of His presence in Your life is just as sure and certain as it was for Joshua.
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I will be with you to the very end of the age."
How often do we need to be strong and courageous in this life? When the medical diagnosis is cancer. When the legal documents say "divorce." When seeing your kid at a juvenile detention facility.
There is only one way we get through these and other challenges of life. Not solely with the words, "Be strong and courageous."
No, it's knowing that we can be strong and courageous, even when we're not sure we can be that way, because the Lord is with us. He will not abandon us when we need Him the most. God is always near, ready to speak to you in His Word, always ready to listen to you when you pray. So, on this day and every day, be strong and courageous - the Lord is with you.
