Courage Up

As Joshua was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses, God told him—four times—“Be strong and of good courage.”

This was clearly an important message for Joshua to hear. Here’s why: Joshua was well aware that entering the Promised Land would mean fighting some battles. It wasn’t going to be an easy conquest. There were giants in the land. There were enemies. Fierce resistance. But before Joshua took one step as the Israelites’ new leader, God wanted to give him a personal word of encouragement and reassurance:

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).

I believe God wants to speak that same word to you today.

Be strong. Be of good courage. I’m with you.

An act of courage can be forgiving a friend who let you down. A courageous deed could be gently loving your spouse amid a financial crisis. Courage could mean refusing to let cancer or disease steal your smile. Courage could be required to choose to focus on your purpose instead of your pain. Courage could look like rejoicing in the promise of your destiny rather than dwelling on the reality of your dilemma.

Today, be of good courage. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Despite the fear, stand in faith. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!

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