Strength & Courage

There have been times in my life when I’ve walked through some scary moments with family or friends. I don’t always know how some stories end, but I can walk through tough and scary moments with the Lord leading me and His Presence abiding with me.

I just started reading in the book of Joshua this morning and the Lord gives Joshua quite a “pep talk” after the death of Moses. Check this out….

⁶ “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. ⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. ⁸ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. ⁹ This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9 NLT)

I often hear a quote from Brian Buffini, a mentor of mine – “Success Leaves Clues”. I believe right out of the gate, the Lord gives Joshua the road map to successful leadership of His People.

1. Be strong and courageous – be bold and confident.
2. Obey Instructions from the Lord – jump when the Lord says.
3. Study the Book of Instruction – carefully study the Word.
4. Be brave and be positive – bold and confident.
5. God’s Presence – this changes everything.

I believe these five items can help me and anyone else become successful at life. My goal is not success. My goal is the Presence of God in me.  I want the Lord to give me wisdom and insight as to the direction of my work and I will faithfully follow His lead. Success will find me when I’m steady at following the Lord. In God’s economic footprint, success is defined quite differently. It is more about giving than getting. Success is more about serving than being served.

As I look forward to a day of work today, I’m going to implement these 5 steps into my journey. I look forward to hearing from Him and feeling Him with me as I live and work. I want to live and work with strength and courage because of His Powerful Presence in me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne