Joshua_1
Scripture
Joshua 1:9 NLT
“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.”
Observation-What does it say?
Moses has just died, and God calls on Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River, to the land God has promised their ancestors. God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous when leading the people, and to obey all the instructions that Moses passed along to him. If he is able to do that, he will be able to succeed in whatever he does. For the Lord God is with him wherever he goes.
Understanding-What does it mean?
What’s there to fear if God has your back?
Be strong and courageous. Words spoken multiple times not only in this chapter, but throughout the Bible. Words that I have spoken and verses I have used multiple times this month when praying over someone, or even when I was encouraging my daughter. So what’s the deal with the Bible using this phrase so many times? What is God trying to tell me? What it tells me is we have nothing to fear if we trust God, love God, and honor His ways. It tells me that as long as you’re His children, (adopted into the family of God by believing in His son Jesus Christ), we have nothing to fear because He is with us. It tells me since this phrase is used throughout His Word, it stands firm and true, and to know that God doesn’t break His promises.
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”-Romans 8:31b
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”-Romans 8:28
Life Application
The safest place to be is wherever God calls you to be.
I would always admire people who serve in ministry overseas in dangerous parts of the world. Or those who chose to serve in prisons amongst the “evildoers”. I mean aren’t they scared? But if there is one thing this passage should remind me is if God calls me someplace, and I follow His calling, it’s the safest place I can be. God will provide me with my every need to fulfill His mission. Sure it may take me out of my comfort zone, but I know it will stretch me and grow me in my faith, as I heavily rely on Him for my every need. So what am I waiting for? There’s a neighbor He’s asking me to talk to, or a family member I need to share with. Time to be strong and courageous, and confident knowing that God is with me every step of the way.
-Moses Gaddi