Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve Sample

Be strong, Courageous, and Read the Bible.

Moses died, but not before he commissioned Joshua as the next leader of the Israelites. The leadership role required more of Joshua than just possessing some management skills. It required that he be willing to submit to God's authority and carry the responsibility to lead God's people into their destiny. The Lord knew it would not be an easy task and told him to be strong and courageous.

God didn't expect Joshua to have some super-human strength or stamina or never feel fear. The word "strong" in Hebrew is hāzaq. It means to be or become firm and be secure. The term "courageous" is e•matz in Hebrew, and it simply means to be stout, bold, and alert. The English translation could be misleading and suggest that we can't be afraid and that we must rely on our strength.

The instruction is to be firm, secure, and unlikely to compromise our faith while being bold and alert during hardships. God wants us to rely on Him for strength. He didn't just say be strong and courageous, but He followed up by saying that He is with us and will never leave us. With this kind of assurance, we can feel strong and courageous.

Question: What about God can make you strong and more courageous?

Prayer Focus: As you pray, ask the Lord to give you the desire to engage His word and reveal Himself through it.

Special Assignment: For the next time you read the Bible, pray before you get started and ask the Lord to bring you awareness of His presence while you read. Then be firm and alert of His presence and journal the experience.