Tuesday, September 3, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

Be Strong and Courageous (TIMES THREE)

Today's verse was spoken to Joshua by the Lord after the death of Moses. The Lord was encouraging Joshua that it was time to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Within four verses, God told Joshua "be strong and courageous" THREE times.

 

Joshua (Moses' assistant) was born a slave in Egypt approximately 40 years prior to the Exodus. He was an active participant in the Exodus and was Moses' military commander when the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. Joshua was so close to Moses that he was permitted to accompany him part of the way up Mount Sinai when Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.

 

In addition, Joshua was one of the twelve men sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. Upon the return of these men, only Joshua and Caleb gave an encouraging report. Before Moses' death, the leadership of Israel was formally transferred to Joshua.

 

As Moses' sidekick, Joshua had seen the struggles AND the provision of God in Moses' life as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage and then continued to lead them in the wilderness. That first-hand account could have scared Joshua into running the other way when elevated to the leadership of the Israelites. After all, the Israelites complained non-stop and were often disobedient. Additionally, to obtain the Promised Land, they would have to enter unknown territory. Nevertheless, Joshua accepted his calling because he was equally inspired by the faithfulness of God in Moses' life as well as in the lives of the Israelites.

 

When faced with a challenge in life, we have a choice. We can look at the struggles of those that have gone before us or we can focus on the provision of God in similar circumstances. Continuously, God reminded Joshua that He was with him. Sometimes, we also need that reminder... often, we require several reminders.

Without a doubt, if we wouldn't have God on our sides, the future would be a VERY frightening place. However, when you are certain that He is leading you and directing you, you can have peace that He is true to His word and will never leave nor forsake you. Because Joshua was a faithful servant and put His trust in God, he led more than a million people into the promises that God had for them.

 

I challenge you today to be strong and courageous....be strong and courageous...be strong and courageous... For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! Put your trust in Him and Him alone.