Take Courage

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:6b

As God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan and possess the Promised Land, He offers reassurance and exhortation. God knows the journey is not going to get any easier, but it is worth it!

First, the reassurance in Joshua 1:4-5...
"From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great River, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." (emphasis mine)

When stepping out into new spiritual territory, all we really need to know is that GOD IS WITH US. How is He with us? In the person of Jesus (Emmanuel = God with us) and the presence of His Holy Spirit. We don't need to know exactly where we're going because we have the most amazing Guide with us - leading us every step of the way. We just need to listen and keep pace with Him. The lessons we learned in the wilderness about God's character will come into play. If we let Him "be with us" as He desires, there's nothing that can stop us. Practically, I think this comes down to trusting, listening and obeying on a moment by moment basis. We don't place any hope in our "might" or "power", but recognize that our lives are powered by His Spirit. This is tough for most of us who relish our self-sufficiency. But after a humbling time in the wilderness, perhaps we are ready to cross over into a new way of being with God in the land of Promise.

Next, a double exhortation in Joshua 1:7...
"Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law with Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." (emphasis mine)

One of the definitions of "to be strong" in Vine's Bible Dictionary is to "take hold of". Joshua was to take hold of the promises, take hold of God's character and take hold of himself as he entered the new land. It is a new sense of purpose. We aren't going to be weak and wandering anymore. We're going to be strong and follow the Lord forward into whatever He has for us.

Two dictionary definitions of "courage" are "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear" and "able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching." I like that. Wouldn't it be great to be so filled with faith that we don't even flinch at the sight of danger? Most of us don't live in fear of physical harm, but we do tend to be very protective of our time, feelings, relationships and material goods. Moving into new territory might unsettle these precious things a bit. But rather than respond with fear, we can be courageous because God is with us. We can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He wants the best for us. If we experience any loss in the journey, He will provide something far more fulfilling.

One final thought...God was speaking to Joshua in a very personal way, but it wasn't just for him. He was the leader of the people. His attitude affected everyone in the congregation. So too, when God is leading us, it's not just about our progress. It's about our families, friends, neighbors or anyone else in our lives. Are we exhibiting strength and courage in our Lord for them to follow?

Listening Exercise: Ask the Lord what particular reassurances and/or exhortations He has for you right now. Write them down and pray them back to Him. His words may be the key to unlock new things He has in store for you this year.