Be Courageous

Be Courageous
By Don Vess  

Joshua 1:1-9 NLT  

"After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, ‘My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you. From the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 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. 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 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. 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.’”

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**Courage: A Command from God**  

Joshua, stepping into Moses' role, faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, ensuring Joshua of His presence and guidance. As believers, we often face our own “Promised Lands”—places God calls us to but which seem overwhelming. The courage Joshua was called to isn’t just natural bravery; it’s courage born from knowing God’s promises and His unshakable presence.

Proverbs 24:10, "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small," it reminded me that our strength and courage come not from our own abilities but from God. Joshua and Caleb demonstrated this kind of courage when they believed they could conquer the land, despite the giants the other spies feared.

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**The Spirit of Courage**  

True courage to do God’s work requires the Holy Spirit’s power. Acts 1:8 says, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses." This power isn’t just for preaching but for standing firm in the face of fear, adversity, and opposition. I’ve witnessed this in my own life during times when I had to trust God completely, even when circumstances didn’t seem promising.

In 1994, while organizing a youth outreach event, I faced major discouragement when the turnout seemed too small compared to our investment. But God spoke to me through Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous...do not be afraid or discouraged.” That was all I needed. God provided, and lives were transformed that week because we didn’t give up.

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**Courage in Action: Historical and Personal Testimony**  

I’ve seen courageous obedience in my ministry, but it’s not limited to just those of us today. The apostles in Acts, Peter and John, faced persecution and imprisonment, yet boldly continued to proclaim the Gospel despite the threats they faced. They prayed for even more boldness and continued preaching and healing in Jesus’ name. It was the Holy Spirit’s power that gave them the courage to obey God rather than man.

This kind of Spirit-filled courage is needed today. We live in a world increasingly hostile to God's truth. We face social pressures, legal challenges, and even potential persecution. But God’s call remains the same: “Be strong and very courageous.” Not in our strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to stand firm.

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**Conclusion: God’s Promise for Us**  

As Joshua stepped into leadership, he had to trust that God would guide and protect him. The same is true for us. Whether facing personal challenges or spiritual battles, God’s promise stands: He will be with us wherever we go. Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s moving forward in faith, trusting that God is with us.

Today, be encouraged. Whatever God has called you to do, whatever giants you face, His command to you is the same: “Be strong and courageous.” The same God who empowered Joshua, Peter, and John is with you, and He will not fail you.