Courage - Yellow Balloon SeriesShembull

A Companion in the Fight

 In the book of Joshua, there is a powerful verse that commands strength and courage. After finally entering the Promised Land, the people of Israel had a new leader named Joshua. The Lord reminded them, through Joshua, of the call to courage. God was not casually telling His people about courage. He reminded them of very specific circumstances, including when they refused to fight. He reminded them of the challenges they had faced. 

The first generation of the Israelites moved by fear. God had prepared them to trust Him by showing them His mighty works. He had led them to victory in battle. Nevertheless, their spirit crumbled in fear. This first generation refused to fight. God reminded the second generation, the generation of Joshua, to not make the same mistakes. 

The second generation were the people who entered the Promised Land. It was a place flowing with milk and honey, but they had to fight for it. Part of living in the Promised Land was having to build the courage to possess it. 

God calls us to strive every day. He calls us to kindness in the face of rejection. He calls us to seek the best in others even when they may not do the same. God has called us to love others. He wants us to set our desires aside and be led by the Holy Spirit. 

In other words, God calls us to fight against being self-centered. The first generation of the Israelites put comfort in material things above obedience. 

There is nothing greater than to lay down our lives for someone. It takes great courage to love others. Not everyone knows about God’s great love, but through our lives they can know it. There is a Promised Land flowing with blessings when we are willing to slay the giants of selfishness. A life in Christ is a life of loving others as yourself.