When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, God had a message for him; be strong and courageous. In fact, the Lord says this to Joshua on three separate occasions.
When God says something once, we should listen. When He says something three times, it’s obvious that it’s a message that the Lord wants to hammer home.
The Israelites had just lost their leader Moses after he had guided them for 40 years in the wilderness. In Joshua 1:2 (NLT), God says to the new Hebrew leader, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.”
While Joshua was surely nervous about taking over the reins from his mentor, God promises to watch over the newly appointed leader of the Israelites.
Joshua 1:5 (NLT) reads, “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”
Sometimes we can feel as though God is long way off or that He doesn’t hear our cries for help. But take heart, if you walk in lockstep with the Lord, He is always with you.
Joshua 1:9, one of my favorite verses in the Bible says, “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.”
That’s a promise! The next time you’re afraid or discouraged, remember that verse of Scripture. Be strong and courageous.
Truth & Discernment 