Be Strong and Courageous!

 February 2, 2024

Friday

Joshua 1:9 (NASB 2020) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We can apply this to the work the Lord has called us to do. It requires that we listen and know what the Lord has commanded us to do. This is a calling that is made to all Christians. It is not the same calling for everyone. It is particular to each of us. Some of us are called to be Sunday School teachers who go beyond the literature our denomination sells us. These are the people who challenge the status quo. They are not determined to declare it wrong; they are determined to make sure it is right. They will receive opposition because they challenge rather than blindly accept what has always been said.

Some are called to be those who gather people around to do special tasks the Lord wants done. They lead people. They are opposed at times because there is always someone who thinks they can do a better job. It takes courage to stand up when others are attacking. It takes strength to stand up when someone challenges with what they think is a better idea. The command of the Lord must stay in the forefront when leadership is challenged.

There are some who are commanded to reach people who have no interest in the Lord. They call believers names and make fun of them. Yet, it is important to realize that God loves them just as much as He does the believers. God wants them to walk with Him too. This takes courage to ask and tell the story of the gospel. It takes strength to weather the criticisms, dismissals and ridicule.

We all must realize that the flesh is opposed to the Spirit. It will not be easy doing what the Lord has commanded. There will be moments that quitting seems to be the best for everyone, but we remember that the Lord commanded and we go on.

Sometimes when everything seems to be going wrong we also need to remember that just because we can’t see the Lord doesn’t mean that He is not present. He is.

If obeying His commands were easy, every believer would obey. But remember that obeying His commands is the only way to walk with Him.