Have courage

“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 ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is God’s word to Joshua. He had just been given the role that Moses had carried for the past 40 years. He had been given roles under Moses: he led the men to battle against their enemies; he had been on the team that explored the promised land; he had been close to Moses and sought the Lord when others were uninterested, but now he was in charge.

Joshua knew the limits and failures of the people, but importantly he knew His God. He was blessed with another strong man, Caleb. Both Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who brought a good report from the promised land. Caleb was a fighting man even in his 80s. When it came time to have his allotted portion of land, he took it with gusto and cleared the land of his enemies.

However, Joshua knew he needed God. He had seen Noses’ reliance and communion with God and knew he was not able without God. Fortunately, God met him and told him He was in charge. Nonetheless, here he is being encouraged to stand strong and not fear.

Today we need to hear this. Troubling news abounds, threats of war, rumours of war, earthquakes and climate disasters following the worldwide proclamation that there is climate change. What we say we get. We, the people of God, need to guard our confession to be that of faith in the future God promises us, and trust Him to go before us. Amen!