Strong and Courageous

Standing strong and courageous is something I am learning how to walk in and do.  As I stopped to read this morning, the Lord lead me to Joshua 1. As I was reading, I noticed that the Lord told Joshua three times to be strong and of good courage.

Anytime something is mentioned repeatedly, it is clearly important. As an educator, if I wanted to ensure my students not only heard, but understood what I was teaching and saying, I would repeat it.  At times, we learn through repetition.  The fact that the Lord told Joshua three times to be strong and of good courage has me pondering: was Joshua having trouble standing and being courageous? He had seen first hand the miracles that God had performed.  Joshua, and Caleb, were the only two left who were formerly enslaved in Egypt.  So, he had experienced the plagues. Joshua had seen the parting of the Red Sea. He saw Pharoah’s army be drowned. He had experienced the Lord providing as they were in the wilderness.  Joshua had seen many of the mighty works of the Lord.  So why now does the Lord have to remind him to be strong and of good courage? Could it be, that even after Joshua experienced all he had, he still had some issues with fear?

As I look at what the Lord repeatedly told Joshua, I can’t help but think about where I am right now.  I have seen God do some miraculous things. I know He has spoken to me over the past, and continues to speak to me. I know He has made ways, and blessed me, especially when I do not deserve it.  So now, as I am looking at the month coming to a close, and knowing decisions have to be made, why am I wavering? 

The children of Israel had watched God move in mighty ways. They watched how He delivered them, several times. They experienced His provision, even in the wilderness where there should be no food or shelter…yet God provided. Yet it appeared at the slightest opposition, struggle, or things not going the way they want, they get scared, weak, etc.  I have to stop and ask myself: am I like the children of Israel? Am I facing the “Red Sea” of life and “wilderness walking” and forgetting how he brought me from Virginia to Texas, provided a job (from the other side of the country), blessed me with a place to stay (that I was upgraded), has been keeping me? 

Even looking at Joshua: he knew what God could do. He also sat and was taught by Moses. The Lord told Joshua: I will not leave you nor forsake you. He said this before telling him to stand and be strong. So before giving him the command to stand and be strong, He let him know that he (Joshua) was not alone.  

And as the Lord has been with those in the past, I know He is with me.  I stand strong, and I am courageous. I stand, because He has already provided and answered my prayers. Those things that I have been concerned about, the Lord had already worked it out. I just need to stand and watch Him work.  He continues to do great and mighty things. 

He has said: TRUST ME and so I trust, stand, and I am courageous!