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There are times in life when courage does not mean that we are not afraid. What do you do when you know that you have to keep going, but you don’t feel strong enough to take another step? That’s when courage means that we refuse to allow fear to have the final word. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving forward because you know God is with you!
Joshua was facing a tremendous responsibility. Moses, the great leader of Israel was gone, and Joshua had been called to lead God’s people into the Promise Land. There were battles ahead, obstacles to overcome, and uncertainty about what the future would bring. God did not tell Joshua that the road would be easy. Instead, God gave him something greater than an easy road. He gave him the assurance of his presence. Three times in chapter 1, God tells him to be strong and courageous. Why? Because God knew Joshua would need courage for what was ahead.
Psalm 56:3 says: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Notice the psalmist does not say, “If, I am afraid.” He says, “When I am afraid.” There will be moments when fear will over take us, but we have a choice, succumb to it or choose to exercise your faith in God. You see courage comes from knowing that God is with us. God’s command to Joshua was connected to God’s promise: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” That is the absolute foundation to all courage.
When you walk through the valley, face difficult decisions, experience disappointment, or don’t understand what God is doing, remember that God is still there. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow. Courage means taking the next step. God didn’t tell Joshua to understand everything. He told him to be strong, be courageous, and move forward. We too need to take the next step in faith. How? We start by praying, trusting, obeying and holding to God’s unchanging hand.
Our courage is strengthened by God’s Word. God reminded Joshua to be faithful to his Word. In verse 8, it says: This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night.” When life becomes difficult, we need something stronger than our emotions to hold onto.” We need God’s Word.
Let me leave you with some words of encouragement. When tomorrow comes, when the battle gets difficult, when you don’t understand what God is doing, when you have to start over; when you’re walking through that valley alone, the same God that was with you yesterday, is the same one that is with you today!
Father, we thank you for reminding us that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Give us courage when we’re weak, and faith when we cannot see the way ahead. Remind us that wherever we go, you go with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie))
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