What does "be strong and courageous" mean in the context of our faith? \The Setting in Joshua 1:9\ “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Israel is on the edge of the Promised Land. • Moses has just died; Joshua leads a people facing giants, walled cities, and unknowns. • God does not merely suggest boldness; He commands it, grounding the command in His faithful presence. \What “Strong” Means\ • Inner resolve empowered by God, not mere willpower. • Willingness to obey even when obedience looks costly. • Resolute perseverance—refusing to give up, because God’s promises do not fail (Numbers 23:19). \What “Courageous” Means\ • Acting boldly despite real threats or fears. • Choosing faith over feelings: fear may knock, but courage opens the door with trust. • Public allegiance to God, unashamed of His Word (Romans 1:16). \Why We Can Be Strong and Courageous\ • God is with us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • His Word is sufficient: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • His Spirit empowers: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…” (2 Timothy 1:7) • His victory is certain: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) \How to Live It Out Today\ • Stay in the Word—daily meditation fuels strength (Joshua 1:8). • Pray for boldness—early church pattern (Acts 4:29–31). • Step forward—take the next obedient action even if the whole path isn’t clear. • Speak truth in love—courageously uphold biblical convictions in conversations. • Stand together—seek fellowship; courage multiplies in community (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). \Scriptures that Reinforce the Call\ • Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous… He will never leave you.” • Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” • Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” To “be strong and courageous” is to trust God’s character, stand on His promises, and move forward in obedient faith—confident that He who commands also enables. |
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