Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of good courage…
God is encouraging Joshua to stand up and lead. He has been a faithful assistant to Moses during the exit from Egypt and through 40 years in the wilderness. He represents a great example for all who are standing in faith in times of delay. But Moses is now dead and God calls Joshua into the seat of leadership.
In Joshua 1, God tells Joshua three times to be strong and of good courage. Why three times? When God repeats Himself it is often to make an important point - but there were also three areas that Joshua needed courage for…
1. To receive his inheritance
Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.”
We all have an inheritance from God. (Ephesians 1:18) And we walk in that inheritance by faith. As Israel entered the Promised Land there were some big obstacles in the natural - some of the cities were protected by large walls and there were giants living in the land. But God said He would fight the battles for Israel. Visually, these sights were intimidating and that's why courage was needed. Likewise, you need courage to step out in faith even when you are intimidated by things in the world.
2. To fully obey God
Joshua 1:6-7 “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you…”
It takes courage to honor God and to walk in His Ways. The world will laugh at you, mock you and even disown you. (2 Timothy 3:12) This is why you need courage to step out from the crowd and walk a different way. Today it’s all about grace – seeing how God has radically done everything for you through Christ's finished work on the cross.
3. To overcome fear
Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go…”
You need courage to overcome fears and discouragement in your life. Not everything will go your way. There will be times when the horizon can look frightening. But when we rise up with courage and confidence in God, He will deliver us through every valley and every enemy we face.
Look at the by-product of courageous faith:
Joshua 1:8-9 “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
It says good success.
The world’s success is often a success that will bring with it sorrow like lost time with family, marriage failure and loneliness. But God’s success is a good success – your family is good, your marriage is good, your health is good and you are surrounded by good people who love you!