“Be strong and courageous.”

We might say that to a high school or college graduate who is about to step out into a brand new world.

We might say that to someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis or some other disease that ravages the body.

We might say that to someone about to set out on the adventure of a lifetime-hiking, biking, marriage 🙂 , or opening their own shop.

We might say that to someone who is about to take part in a life-changing event.

Or it is something we would read in Joshua 1 where God has commissioned Joshua to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. “Be strong and courageous…Be very strong and courageous…Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:6.7, 9  NLT)  Do you think God is telling Joshua not be afraid, to be strong and courageous?  🙂

Courage means different things to different people. I suspect it is determined by the task in front of them. God defines courage as obeying His laws no matter the cost or consequence. He tells Joshua not to stray to the right or left, but to stay on the path. He is to allow it to control his every thought, motive and action. Same with us.  It is NEVER easy to follow God’s Word, the laws written down for us to give credence to and follow with all our heart. Anyone who tells you it is easy needs a reality check.

The words to Joshua are good words for us as well. We never know what our day will look like. We can wake up excited to face the day, fully anticipating a day filled with good things only to watch it crumble to pieces shortly after or even before we walk out of the house. So no matter what today brings for you or for me, let’s face it head on with courage and strength that comes from the ONE who told Joshua to “be strong and courageous.”  He will give us the strength to face the day and to come out on the other end with courage knowing that strength came from Him.