"This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua was not given a choice in the matter; he was commanded by God! God expected this of Joshua because He had told him He would be with him everywhere He went. Joshua had a great task, one that would have left many great generals terrified. But, Joshua had an edge on others, and that edge was the knowledge that God was going with him. There would not be one challenge that Joshua would have to face where he would be dependent on his own might, God would always be there to fight for Joshua.

God calls all His children to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS as He moves us to do great things in His name! And, because He is ALWAYS with us we are able to do so!   God calls us to do things that are beyond our natural ability; things that are sure to bring glory to Him! If God has called you to do something great, don't back down! Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS, God is going into battle with you! God isn't calling you to do the impossible on your own; He's calling you to be a vessel for His glory! He'll take care of the impossible part! Just step out in faith with your eyes on Him and trust in the assurance of His Word! Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Courage we shall need, and for the exercise of it we have as much reason as necessary, if we are soldiers of King Jesus." We are indeed soldiers of the King, and the King goes before us, bringing us victory in all He calls us to do!!

"...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  

Matthew 28:20 (NLT)