BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

When Joshua became the leader of the Israelites after Moses died on Mount Nebo, God told him, "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 (Joshua 1:9). Joshua was about to lead the Israelites to enter the land that God had promised them. It would not be easy for them because they had to conquer it. Joshua must be strong and courageous to fight their enemies and take care of more than 2 million Israelites. Prior to being appointed as the next leader of the Israelites, Joshua was Moses' loyal servant. Joshua saw how Moses struggled in leading the Israelites in the wilderness because of the stubbornness of the people. However, he saw Moses' perseverance and faith in God. In the same way, he must lead the Israelites, and he needs God's encouragement. God wanted Joshua to lead strongly and courageously and not let fear and discouragement overwhelm him. He must stand firm in God's promises and be determined to obey God's commands and directions.

Today, we may face great challenges that push us to our limits or be up to a task that is too difficult for us to handle. God is commanding us today, like He commanded Joshua, to be strong and courageous and not be afraid or discouraged because He is with us wherever we go. The God who loves and cares for us will help us through our difficult situations, no matter how big they are. We may experience sorrow and disappointment, but God knows what we are going through. Ultimately, God holds us in His loving arms, for He is the guardian of our souls. He will never let go of us through the storms of life. We will prevail because He will sustain us until the end. We only need to be strong and courageous as He guides us through our difficulties. God never promised us to have a suffering-free life in this world, but He promised us everlasting peace in Heaven. 

As we go through our day today, let us remember God's command to us: be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What does God want me to do in facing sorrow and disappointment? Why can I rely on or rest on God while facing my difficult situations? What is God telling me to do in today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for your encouragement this morning. Please help me to be strong and courageous in facing my challenges today. Please guide me and give me wisdom on what to do. Thank you for always being with me wherever I go. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.