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Be Strong and of a Good Courage

Joshua 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The Bible reveals that Moses was one of Israel’s greatest leaders. To be the leader of the nation of Israel after Moses would have been a daunting task. Yet, this was exactly what God called Joshua to do. Immediately following the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua and twice instructed him to “be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6, 9). He also admonished him to “be thou strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7). Without godly courage, Joshua would have shied away from the great responsibilities thrust upon him. If he lacked courage, how could he admonish others to trust God and have great courage? Only courageous people can truly lead others during times when courage is necessary.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Are you fearful? Are you afraid to sing out loud, or to quote a Bible verse, or shake hands with others? Of what are you afraid? God will help you to have courage in these things if you learn to trust Him for strength.

• (For everyone): Do you have some difficult tasks set before you? Are there things you need to do that are currently making you afraid? God commanded Joshua to be courageous and He expects no less of His children. Courage is a matter of faith and trust in the Lord. Will you trust Him to help you become more courageous?

• Are you afraid to serve God or commit to His will for your life? You are not the first person to be afraid, but it is important that you trust Him and take courage.

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask God to help you obey His word regardless of your fears.

• Pray God will help you see the rewards of eternity more clearly than the fears of this world.

SONG: A Charge to Keep I Have

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Courage

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