Let's admit it. Even
as adults, when we watch an adventure movie or read an action book that has a
clear hero or heroine, we find ourselves wanting to be like them. We don't don
superhero capes like we may have done as children. Yet, the point is clear - we
want to be the kind of people who can handle whatever comes our way and serve
others in the process. And we want to be able to look back over what we have
done and feel really good about it.
In short, we want to
be strong and courageous.
As I read through
Joshua chapter 1 this morning, I came across the commissioning of Joshua. Moses
was dead. The Israelites were about to conquer the Promised Land. Joshua was
the new leader and God may have sensed that Joshua was feeling like he wasn't up
to the task. He wasn't the hero that Israel needed him to be.
So, God gave him
three very specific action points to focus on. If he engaged in these three
habits, the end result would be a strong and courageous leader for Israel.
First, Believe God's
Promises (Joshua 1:6)
“Be strong and
courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the
land I swore to their ancestors I would give them." (New Living
Translation)
It’s a given that in
life there will be obstacles that are much larger than us. Times of decision,
trial, temptation and more will come that would cause us to run in fear.
A follower of Jesus
who is strong and courageous is someone who is resting in God's promises. We
know what is going on around us. We aren't delusional. But, we are much more
convinced of the reality of God's precious promises. We cling to a promise of
God from His Word.
Second, Obey God's Precepts (Joshua 1:7-8)
"Be strong and
very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not
deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be
successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually.
Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in
it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." (New Living
Translation)
Simply put, God will
not bless someone who is toying with sin (no matter how big or small the sin
is). Added to the seriousness of sin is this fact - someone who is a child of
God and also in sin will have bouts of guilt. A guilty conscience hardly lends
itself to being strong and courageous.
A follower of Jesus
who is strong and courageous is someone who is obeying God's Word. We are 'sold
out' for Jesus. We are passionately pursing Him and obeying His Word. There
is no guilty conscience and God is free to bless our lives.
Third, Practice
God's Presence (Joshua 1:9)
"This is my
command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the
lord your God is with you wherever you go." (New Living Translation)
Life can feel very
lonely, especially when it gets tough. Such a mindset will undermine your
ability to tackle the obstacles in front of you.
A follower of Jesus
who is strong and courageous is someone who realizes that God is with them
wherever they go. In fact, we realize that God's Holy Spirit is actually inside
our body. Just as God the Father took up His powerful residence inside the Old Testament
temple, so has God the Holy Spirit taken up residence inside the body of ever
believer. Rest in the fact that God will never leave you nor forsake you.
God is looking for
folks to use. He's building His Kingdom. But, He wants folks who are strong
and courageous who will play key roles in the story of redemption.
Will you develop the
habits of the kind of people that God tends to use? You've only got one life to
live. Make the most of it!
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