Courage

Tom Barnard

 

“I command you—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)

 

Moses was dead. It was time for a new leader to step forward. Joshua wasn’t Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense. He wasn’t Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Israel. The Bible identified him as “Moses’ aide”—by definition, an apprentice. But he was more than a follower. He had been trained at the side of Moses. He had watched Moses’ every move. He was one of the two “spies” (along with Caleb) who entered Canaan and brought back a positive report of what they found there. With Moses gone, Joshua was poised to lead. But first there was a commissioning. God had a list of instructions for Joshua, and among them was for him to prepare to cross over the Jordan River “into the land I am about to give…the Israelites.” It was to be no “walk in the park.” Battles were ahead. Canaan was to be conquered, not just visited. The Israelites weren’t just passing through on their way to Galilee. Who were the soldiers Joshua was to lead? They were the children of slaves. Challenging times were ahead.

 

God commanded Joshua to be courageous. Easy to say; hard to do. Three times in the first ten verses of the book named for him, the Lord charged Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” And He followed the command with a promise: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua listened; he followed instructions. And you know how the rest of the story turned out.

 

Courage is not needed in the good times—when everything is running smoothly and predictably. Most of us can function fairly well when there is no pressure on us. Courage is needed when the economy turns south and when everything that is nailed down comes loose. Real courage originates deep within a person’s innermost being.

 

I like to think that Joshua could hear the words of Moses as he prepared to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land, “Do not be terrified by them (the inhabitants of the land), for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little…No one will be able to stand up against you….” (Deuteronomy 7:21-24).

 

What great challenge faces you today? Criticism…opposition…financial struggles…lack of adequate resources to accomplish the task God has given you? Joshua faced all of them, and more. You need to understand what Joshua understood: If the Lord has called you to do a work, he will provide what you need to accomplish the task ahead. “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” I say “Amen” to that!

 

Heavenly Father, I pray for my sisters and brothers in ministry today. They have prepared well. They have watched their mentors. They have stepped forward when their names were called. They are committed to you and dedicated to the task you have for them. They face uncertainties greater than I would be willing to accept. There will be people who criticize; there will some who oppose. I pray for them and for the courage they have yet to muster, and for the outcomes well in advance of the battle. Encourage them, I pray. Build their confidence in themselves and in You. Give them victory over their foes, to the end that Your name will be glorified and blessed. Amen.