Courageous

Joshua 1:9 is on repeat in my mind today, well the part that we all tend to quote - Be strong and courageous!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

What I didn't remember and/or bargain for is that God said "Have I not commanded you?" Is He only commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous. Most likely not. What is also interesting is that we focus on Joshua 1:9 a lot, but the verses prior to this one first introduces the phrase be strong and courageous. In fact, verse 6 is the first time the phrase is used. In verse 7, God says be strong and VERY courageous. Then, verse 9 caps it off with a third proclamation.

Joshua had every reason to be afraid. Moses just died, so God put Joshua in charge. He was now leading an obstinate people to the Promised Land. The people who because of their disobedience wandered in the desert for 40 years. However, Joshua has a history of being courageous. He was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan to report back to Moses what they should expect in the Promised Land. He was one of two people who dissented from the rest of the 12 to courageously proclaim that God would deliver the giants into their hands and that they should move forward into the land (Numbers 13). Joshua is known for his courage.

What does it mean to be courageous? The dictionary defines it as an adjective meaning not to be deterred by danger or pain; brave. No matter the cost to life and limb, move forward. Be brave. What is the quote from the Lion King movie, "I laugh in the face of danger, ha ha ha ha!" Oh that we all could laugh in the face of danger.

The world feels very dangerous right now, doesn't it? We are still wondering when/if the virus that has turned our world upside down will dissipate. We worry about our brothers and sisters who are marginalized. We are concerned about the economy, riots, double hurricanes, murder hornets, floods, fires, sand storms from across the ocean (yeah I know some of these are old news, but...). How can we be courageous in times like these?

I'm facing some big decisions in my life. I feel like I'm always saying that, but it is true for some reason. Just when I think it will be smooth sailing, there is another twist or turn. Another decision to make that could alter the trajectory of my life. Regardless of the temporal decision that has to be made, though, my ultimate focus is on the eternal. What decision do I make that will be most glorifying to God? What decision opens the next door that He wants me to walk through? What path do I choose that is the right path for today? God will lead me. Even if I go down the wrong path, He will eventually, lovingly, point me in the right one. I search my heart, pray fervently, and step out in faith that I'm making the best decision I can for the moment. I'm praying for neon signs, billboards, whatever will make the decision obvious.

Now, does this require courage? It feels like it does to me. It feels like I am going into battle with giants to take what was promised to me even though the threat isn't physical. I feel the assault on my mind as I weigh out the options. I encounter sleepless nights as I try to decipher through what is and what could be, the pros and cons, and the impact that the decision might make.

But God says, be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous going into battle. Be strong and courageous standing up for what you know is right. Be strong and courageous making that decision. Be strong and courageous stepping out in faith - into the unknown. Be like the lion of Judah who is Jesus (Revelation 5:5), step forward to accomplish what others' say is impossible.

One other little caveat to this idea of being strong and courageous. Being strong may not always mean physical strength. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 Paul writes,

Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Christ makes us strong. Even in the midst of insults, distress, persecutions, and difficulties, I am strong when I am depending on Jesus.

I hope you have a relationship with Jesus. I hope you call on Him in your times of confusion and weakness. When you do, then He will be your strength and courage. He can give you boldness that you never knew you had.

So, friend, be strong and courageous! The Lord is with you wherever you go.

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