God commanded Joshua to be strong. What did He mean? Joshua was about to embark on a mission which even Moses had not been able to complete. He was to take the Israelites across the Jordon into the Promised Land. Face enemies he did not know. Lead people who refused to be lead. Follow God's commands without fail. Have faith. Trust.
All he had to do was be strong.
Joshua needed strong arms to wield his sword and javelin, to fend off blows with his shield, and defeat the enemy. He needed strong legs to march all day, run after his foes over hill and valley, and climb through the rubble of Jericho. Joshua needed a strong body, but was that alone enough?
What is courage?
God instructed Joshua to be courageous. Does that mean he was never afraid? No, I think not. Courage is action in the face of fear. Without fear, courage cannot exist.
God did not tell Joshua, Do not be afraid. He told him, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged. Being terrified means giving in to fear, just as being discouraged means lacking courage. Fear is not wrong; it is the reaction to fear that matters.
Where do strength and courage come from?
The answer is the second half of the verse. God knew that alone, Joshua would lack the strength and courage to do what needed to be done. Alone, he would fail. The solution? God would be with him. Every step of the way. No matter where Joshua went, God promised that He would be at his side.
So it is with us. Whether crossing oceans on vessels of steel to face the enemies of our nation, or standing up to the enemy of our soul at home, work, or school--alone we will fail. We do not have the strength, we do not have the courage, to stand by ourselves. For that reason, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Whatever your fight, wherever you find your field of battle, remember Joshua 1:9.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.
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