Courage in the Life of a BelieverSample

Courage to resist being terrified

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Joshua is on the verge of leading the people of Israel into the land that the LORD would give to them. Moses is dead, and it’s Joshua’s turn now — and stepping into the shoes of that great leader is terrifying.

The Lord knew what was going on in Joshua’s heart. Repeatedly He tells him that he needs to be strong and courageous. God connects this command to Himself: He will be with Joshua; He will not forsake him; and He will give him every place that the sole of Joshua’s foot will tread upon, just as He had promised to Moses (Joshua 1:3). God is not only faithful to Moses, but also to Joshua! He does not change. The God of Abram and Moses and Joshua is still the same today. His promises are more solid than a rock.

Joshua will need courage for three things: to cause the people to inherit the land that God swore to his fathers to give them (Joshua 1:6); to obey the law (Joshua 1:7-8); and to resist being terrified (Joshua 1:9). He will need to keep in mind who the Lord is, or else he will be overwhelmed by all the terrors of this new land with their giant people.

How can you resist being terrified today?