"HE GIVES US COURAGE!"

"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: of the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

Exploring the unknown can be an adventure! To be asked to lead a nation of many thousands was a great challenge for Joshua. God set a great adventure before him when He chose Joshua to lead the people of Israel from the wilderness into the land of Canaan. At first Joshua wondered whether he could handle the job. So God encouraged this servant who would succeed Moses: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee..." The days ahead would be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. The task was tremendous! Yet God assured Joshua, as He assures us today: The Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go!

Biblical examples of human cowardice far outnumber the accounts of courageous behavior. The Israelites feared the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, even though a loving God had just rescued them from 400 years of slavery. (Exodus 14:9-11) Peter confessed undying loyalty to Jesus shortly before denying Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Unwarranted fear has always been a major flaw in the lives of God's people. We Christians are no different than the people of Biblical times. Often we lie to protect our jobs, reputations, and ourselves! Where is OUR COURAGE? Fear of opposition weakens us spiritually and hinders our positive actions.

"...We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

Jesus always told the truth, even though it gained Him enemies and cost Him His life. Can you imagine the courage it must have taken Him to carry the cross to His own fate of death? It took IMMENCE COURAGE to face suffering for the world's sin and an agonizing death!

Christ's courage gained Him the victory of His resurrection. His example should be our own! With Christ beside us, we dare confidently, that the gates of hell cannot overcome us!

Application: Putting our trust in the Lord, we can go on our way unafraid. He promises strength when strength is needed. He gives courage when courage is needed. He confirms our faith in Jesus, our Savior. His power and His presence in His Word and sacraments support us as we face opportunity and challenge. Whatever He requires, we will be able to do, because we know in our hearts He will always be with us.

Today's Devotion: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and other times He lets the storm rage ~ But no matter what, be courageous, for He always focuses on calming His child! God Bless You All!