Courage 1

Joshua 1:9

Our oldest son bought his first car this past week. He has been working to get it in shape – replacing the ignition switch, flushing the radiator, changing the oil. For my part I bought him his first tank of gas and then got him an ice scraper and a blanket, preparation for what lies in store this coming winter.

We can take the same approach to our life in faith. Do we have everything we might need as we face each day and the challenges it might bring?

God’s command to Joshua in today’s passage is a good one to remember as true believers. Where do the instructions come from? What attitude should Joshua have? Who is with him?

Although these commands were meant for the leader of the Jewish people thousands and thousands of years ago, the same can apply to each of us. God is the one who has commanded us in how we are to live and what we are to do as believers. God has sent us out to share His love with all the world.

Just as Joshua was certain to encounter those who opposed him, we will encounter those who will oppose us. We will be faced with temptations and lures that will try to distract us from our holy purposes.

But like Joshua we should be strong and courageous. We should not fear or feel discouraged as we attempt to live out the love of God. We are setting out on a journey of faith, a journey that begins each morning when we begin our day. And like any journey we make we must be certain we have all that we need before we go.

Before we start each day, before we confront the challenges of life that may cause us fear or discouragement, we should remind ourselves that what we are doing as Christians is what God wants us to do. We should remind ourselves that we have what it takes to accomplish our tasks because we have the greatest asset of all. God is with us wherever we go.

With God at our side we can confront any and all challenges. Through the power and presence of God Most High we can overcome all obstacles and accomplish God’s holy tasks.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you wherever you go?

Outreach 2

Joshua 1:9

My father once shared the story of a car ride he took with another man. He said the car was a mess, rattling and falling apart with one headlight pointed at the side of the road and the other shining in the trees. The driver was all over the road, weaving back and forth.

Seeing my dad’s anxiety the driver assured him, “Jesus is my co-pilot.” But Dad thought, “I believe Jesus jumped out of this car a few miles back.”

As Joshua took over leadership for the Israelites he certainly had his own worries. What assurance does God give him?

When we’re pinned down and asked directly about the idea of God’s presence, just about every faithful Christian will confess that they believe God is with them at all times. If we really stop and think about it and if we really believe what we are supposed to believe, then we should be confident that God is with us at all times.

But so often our attitudes and behavior can demonstrate just the opposite. If we are confronted with the unknown or with challenges and troubles we immediately begin fretting over our situation and our circumstances. When troubles come we feel all alone.

If we are called on to do work for the Lord, we hesitate. So few people are willing to do any type of outreach work for church because of the fears they have in that work.

It is uncomfortable and frightening to go into new neighborhoods, especially under-privileged neighborhoods, and try to help the needy. We fear that we will be victims of crime. We fear that we will not be at all successful in helping those in need.

The words God spoke to Joshua are words meant for us as well. “Be strong and courageous.” The Lord will be with you wherever you go.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be strengthened to do the Lord’s work?