“Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6 (AMP)

Thoughts of Reflection

Strength and courage are transformative forces in our lives. They open doors, set us free from limitations, and grant us opportunities beyond what we can imagine. But how do we cultivate these traits in the face of fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges? The answer lies in trusting God’s promises and responding to His call.

God’s Empowerment for His Assignments

When God gives you an assignment, He also equips you to succeed. Joshua’s calling was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a daunting task considering the challenges he faced. Yet, God’s words to Joshua were not suggestions or mere encouragement—they were a command: “Be strong and courageous.” This wasn’t based on Joshua’s abilities but on the assurance of God’s presence and power.

In your own life, God’s purposes come with His provision. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things which He has called me to do through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Trusting in His empowerment allows you to step into situations that seem impossible, knowing He is with you every step of the way.

Joshua’s task wasn’t just a leadership challenge; it was a test of faith. He had never led a nation before. The weight of filling Moses’ shoes and leading Israel into battle could have paralyzed him with fear. Yet, God’s repeated instructions in Joshua 1—“Be strong and courageous”—remind us that fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to control us.

God’s instruction is clear: Strength and courage are not emotions to wait for but decisions to act upon. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” When we choose to obey God’s word, even when fear whispers otherwise, we invite His strength to sustain us.

Victory Through God’s Presence

What gave Joshua the courage to lead? The same promise God gives to you today: “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 AMP). God’s presence is the ultimate source of our strength and courage. He doesn’t just call us to the battle; He fights alongside us. Romans 8:37 affirms, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us.”

You can step boldly into your calling because God’s victory is guaranteed. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, career decisions, or spiritual battles, know that you’re never alone. God’s presence goes before you, and His power works within you to accomplish His will.

Your Identity in Christ

To be strong and courageous, you must first know who you are in Christ. You are not defined by past failures, present fears, or future uncertainties. You are defined by the unshakable truth that you are God’s child, chosen and empowered to succeed in His plans. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline.”

Today, take hold of God’s command: “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t wait for the perfect circumstances or the absence of fear. Step forward in faith, knowing that God has equipped you to conquer every obstacle. Whether you’re starting a new chapter, leading others, or battling personal struggles, declare over yourself that you are strong, courageous, and victorious in Christ.