“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
Joshua was a young man when Moses sent him, along with Caleb and other sons of Israel to spy out the land of Canaan. God had promised Israel a “land flowing with milk and honey” and it was time to go in and possess the land. When the spies returned, only Joshua and Caleb had the desire to go forward and conquer the land. Unfortunately, the Israelites rebelled and didn’t follow the advice of Moses, Joshua and Caleb. They refused to fight and even wanted a new leader to take them back to Egypt! (Numbers 13-14)
Because of their rebellion, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and only Joshua and Caleb entered the promised land. Joshua had been Moses aide, had fought many battles against the enemies of God’s people and was with Moses on Mt. Sinai. (Exodus 24:13) When Moses came to the end of his life, he laid his hands on Joshua and God filled him with a spirit of wisdom.
In Joshua 1, God commissioned Joshua to go in and inherit the land, but it was not going to be given lightly. The men of Israel had to fight for it. God promised the “tools” they would need, but they would need to be “strong and courageous.” God assured Joshua of five promises:
- His Presence – v. 5 — “as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
- His Power – v. 5 – “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.”
- His Providence – 7 – “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”
- His Provision – v.3 –“ I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”
- His Protection – v. 9 – “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” means “Yahweh is salvation.” What was true of the promises to Israel, God promises to us today, but we need to be strong and courageous. We fight battles also, but of a different nature. Our battles are not flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12. When we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He gives us His presence and power through the indwelling Holy Spirit. His providence in the sovereignty of God who works all things according to His plan. He gives us provision for our life’s journey and His protection from the evil one. Our job is to be “strong and courageous” and stand against evil. We don’t need to fear the future because He has it all covered! May God give each of us the wisdom and courage to go forward in His Name!
Your friend, Jean