”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9New International Version (NIV)
Joshua 1:9 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Be strong and courageous
In Joshua 1:9, God commanded Joshua to “be strong and courageous“. God emphasized this because Joshua was assuming the leadership role that Moses had held until his death. And therefore upon the death of Moses, God commissioned Joshua to continue to lead His people into the Land that He had promised to settle them.
Consequently, God and Israel needed a leader who was strong and courageous. Therefore, God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous because the leadership of Israel into the Promised Land was a herculean task. After all, Joshua was filling big shoes.
Moreover, Joshua needed strength and courage to succeed in leading God’s people to possess the Land God had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was not allowed to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land due to his misdeeds (Deuteronomy 31:6-8).
You consequently need strength and courage in order to fulfill God’s assignment for you (mission concerning you) (Ephesians 2:10). Because fulfilling God’s assignment in your life and ministry is not for the faint-hearted.
Strength and Courage
But strength and courage are divine resources. God is the Source and Giver of the strength and courage you need for your assignment. This is why He is the only One who can renew your strength when you wear out while executing your assignment (Isaiah 40:31).
Additionally, 2 Timothy 1:7 states that God gave you the Spirit that gives you courage (Acts 1:8). Therefore, you are able to execute your assignment without fear (Philippians 1:14 and Matthew 10:28).
God’s presence
Furthermore, God promised Joshua His presence. God promised to be with Joshua and this promise still stands. He will be with you as you execute His assignment because God’s presence empowers (Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:20, and Hebrews 13:5). And God is faithful.
Other lessons
Finally, Joshua 1:9 should teach you that:
- God is the Giver of the responsibility of the leadership of His people. Therefore, leaders are chosen by God. You only need to step up, take charge, lead, and obey Him.
- You don’t have to kill yourself over God’s assignment because God’s mission for His people can never come to a stop. God has a large pool of multigenerational servants to choose from.
- When you are a leader, you must mentor someone or some people because God’s assignment is not eternal. And when you are being mentored, you will probably succeed your mentor (Exodus 17:10-12).
- Leadership is all about facilitating God’s people to receive or possess God’s promise (Joshua 1:6).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, please renew my strength and embolden me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be strong and courageous in Your assignment for me. This is my humble prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Romans 4-7 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
