Courage

 Joshua 1:9 ESV

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.”


When we think of God's commands, we might think of not murdering or committing adultery for example. This isn't just a negative prohibition here though. It is a positive call to action.

God doesn't want us weak and cowardly. He wants us strong and courageous. The new testament goes as far as to say that the cowardly won't inherit eternal life.

There's no need to be frightened and dismayed if we're mindful of God's presence with us. Joshua was going to take over Canaan. Israel was punching above its weight; yet with God they were invincible.

We are called to make Christ known to an unbelieving and hostile world. God's charge to Joshua is ours too. 'With Christ in the vessel' we don't have to fear the storms of life.

'Awesome God, thank you that we don't need to be weak, cowardly and afraid with you. Please help us not to be, and forgive us when we are. For your glory, amen'.

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