What do the following people have in common: Joshua, the Israelite leader; Daniel, the visionary; Jesus’ 12 disciples; and the apostle Paul? Besides loving and following God, they all were in need of courage. Obeying the Lord requires bravery—a firmness of spirit that can face crises without retreating.
Appointed by God, Joshua was called to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. Perhaps he thought, Who am I to follow in Moses’ footsteps? or What if the people will not support my leadership? God spoke reassuringly to him three times, telling him to be strong and courageous.
Joshua responded with faith and based his bravery on two precious assurances from his Father.
Promise #1—God travels with us. The Lord pledged that He would be with the Israelites in the new land, never leaving or forsaking them. In Hebrews 13:5, He makes the same promise to us. In fact, the Lord travels with us in a far more intimate way—through His Spirit living within us.
Promise #2—God goes before us. God promised to take care of the enemy before the Israelites arrived. They still faced battles, but He assured them of victory if they had faith and obeyed Him. Through Jesus, our spiritual battle is already won. Our redemption has been eternally secured, our place in God’s family permanently established, and our heavenly inheritance guaranteed. While our earthly trials will continue, we must remember that they’re temporary.
If you build your life on these two pledges, then courageous will become part of your name. Why not try out how it will sound? Courageous.
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 8-10
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