Strength & Courage

I remember some 25 years ago I was in a cycle where I worked out and lifted weights five days a week. I was physically in good health and pretty strong. I find it hard to look back and assess my inner strength that many years ago. I know that I’ve had seasons of life where I had no choice but to suck it up and be strong. I see strength and courage as closely related. I’ve been around people who possess both of these characteristics and they are not worriers.

I believe Moses had incredible strength and courage, as he knew his time on earth was near. He prepares to hand the leadership reigns to Joshua. Moses gives him a charge and then later in the same chapter, the Lord gives Joshua the same charge. Check this out…

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’

23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.’ (Deuteronomy 31:7-8; 23 NIV)

The promise of God to be with Joshua is quite a game-changer. This same Joshua who had been Moses aid for the last 40 years was about to be promoted. He had also served as one of the original 12 spies and He felt like that with the Lord’s help the people could have taken the land 40 years earlier.

Joshua had experience.

Joshua had heart.

Joshua had the Presence of God.

When I feel the Presence of God in my life, I can be strong and courageous toward any situation I find myself in. He is the source of all my strength and courage.

God’s Presence changes my perspective.

God’s Presence changes my response.

God’s Presence gives incredible peace.

Pressing On!

Dwayne