“Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Are you facing any “Jerichos” in your life today? Are you attempting something that seems overwhelming? Maybe you have health issues, a rebellious child, financial problems or personal plans that seem to go awry. At this moment in my life, I am organizing a medical mission trip to Tanzania and at times I feel very inadequate for the task. I opened my Bible to Joshua 1 and the Lord showed me some wonderful promises He gave Joshua when the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River and conquer Jericho.
In the margin of my Bible, I had written, “God assured Joshua of five “P’s.” I have no idea where these thoughts came from, or what sermon was being preached at the time, but the Lord had them there at that moment just when I needed them! The Lord commanded Joshua with five promises in Joshua 1:1-9: His provision, His power, His presence, His providence and His protection. WOW! Why are we so faint-hearted?
HIS PROVISION: “Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them….I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from …Lebanon,…the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country…to the Great Sea, verses 3-4. God had a country all ready for the Israelites, they just had to go in and possess it. God has a provision for you too. Face that difficult “Jordan River,” the Lord will lead you to victory!
HIS POWER: “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you,” Verse 5. We have access to the Holy Spirits’ power 24/7. We have no excuse for fear when we are directed by God and have the Spirit’s power working for us.
HIS PRESENCE: “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous,” verses 5-6. We as believers have access to God’s abiding presence that promises to never leave us. Our part is to be “strong and courageous,” mentioned three times in these few verses.
HIS PROVIDENCE: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful,” verse 8. Success was not guaranteed, the Israelites were told to be careful to obey, meditate on God’s Word and do what it says. Then they would prosper. James tells us “not to merely listen to the Word….DO what it says.” Personal success comes when we make choices that honor God and then walk in them, bringing freedom…”he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1
HIS PROTECTION: “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” Verse 9. “Let your faith be strengthened. Go straight ahead, leaving no Jericho unconquered behind you, and no place where satan can boast of having overwhelmed you. Pay no attention to discouragement, plow ahead like a steamship moving through rough or smooth seas, in rain or shine.” Streams in the Desert.
And you can add another “P,” His peace!
Your friend, Jean