Young People's Group

“BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE”

by Pastor Mitch
October 06, 2013

Strength And Courage To Overcome The Challenges Of Life

In life and ministry, there will always be arduous challenges. It is essential for us to find the strength and courage to face and surmount them. In the text of Joshua 1, Joshua had great endeavours that he needed to attempt as he took over the main leadership role from Moses. First, he needed to lead the whole nation of Israel. This in itself was already a formidable task. Second, he was to spearhead the war campaign in the land of Canaan and to divide the territory accordingly to its tribes (Joshua 1:6). These tough challenges added together can be most daunting. It can cause one to be fearful and even dismayed. Furthermore, Joshua also needed strength to maintain his own walk with God by meditating on His word and doing His commandments (Joshua 1:8). It takes strength and courage to walk straight according to God’s commandments and not to turn “to the right or to the left” (Joshua 1:7). How did Joshua find the strength to do this?

1. Exercising Faith In God’s Promise Of His Presence

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” 
Joshua 1:5

“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9

The Lord God promised that He would personally be with Joshua. As He was with Moses in leading him and strengthening him, He would also do so with Joshua. This promise of His presence and help was proven in Moses’ life and ministry. The Lord God also said to Moses in the text of Exodus 3:12 that He would certainly be with him and He would fulfil what He had promised. He enabled Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and in the wilderness for forty years. What great strength! The Lord was also going to enable Joshua to do what he was called to do. Let’s exercise much faith in God’s promise of His presence and His enabling too.

2. Finding Strong Encouragement To Be Strong And Courageous

a. Focusing

“Only be strong and very courageous” 
Joshua 1:7

When God created us, he made us with the potential to be strong. That latent strength is already placed within us. Our part is to focus on being strong and courageous. The Lord indeed back up His godly servant for His work. He would lead and guide us to do His will. Our part is to harness whatever strength and courage we have to do the work. The moment we do our part, the Lord would strengthen us further. He enabled Moses and Joshua to do much for Him as they focused on Him. Let’s focus on being strong and very courageous as we seek to attempt things for the Lord.

b.Following God’s Command

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed” 
Joshua 1:9

It was the Lord who commanded Joshua through Moses to be strong and of good courage in the text of Deuteronomy 31:7. Even though there may be fears and dismay, our part is to exercise faith in submitting to the Lord. Our challenge is to still be strong and courageous despite what we may feel or think. We are to continue to obey the Lord in facing up to the challenges of life and ministry. The Lord would grant that grace and enabling to attempt what we need to do. He will bless us with good success and prosper us in all that we do as we hide His word in our heart. Let’s seek to obey the Lord with faith and hope. Let’s seek to overcome the challenges of life and ministry.

Back to Article Listing