Strong and Courageous
I’ve joined a group of guys who are sharing wisdom and holding each other accountable in the ECC Daily Reading Plan. I’m excited, because these guys are bright, genuine men of deep faith, and I can’t wait to partake in their wisdom as I share mine along with them.
When I have things to share, I’ll post them here as well. Here are my thoughts from today on Joshua 1:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
God’s command for Joshua is the same command for us. We don’t have to face hostile peoples in order to overtake their land and establish God’s kingdom. Compared to Joshua’s tasks, ours are pretty light, don’t you think? But we have the same charge from the same God who was with Joshua.
God is with us…all the time. He’s the same God who gives us strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13). So why not expect Him to go with us and help us handle our day?
The Complete Jewish Bible uses the word “bold” in place of “courageous.” That gives it a different slant to me. Not only does that phrasing suggest a passive, just-not-being-afraid, but it also suggests an active strength. We should be bold in sharing our faith, standing up for truth, doing the right thing. God gives us that power too, in addition to the power to not fear.
Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash