I want to start this post by quoting one of my favorite Scriptures found in Joshua 1:9, “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.” Sis, this was a command for Joshua and it is also a command for us today.
The Bible tells us in Romans 15:4, “For as many as have been written before have been written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
If you need to be encouraged or need hope today or later on in the year (or in life for that fact), you can always rely on this encouraging command.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “How can a command be encouraging, Courtnaye?” And I would say, “Because when you are afraid or feeling discouraged, this verse can totally be encouraging. It is God giving you direct and clear instruction through His Word, sis.” That’s why I love it so much!
So if you ever find yourself needing a fresh charge of confidence or hope, remember God’s Word, “Be strong and courageous!” When you feel fearful and cast down in your spirit, remember God’s Word, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” If you ever feel like God is not with you, remember His Word, “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
For me personally, I love this verse especially when I am about to embark upon something that seems intimidating or bigger than me. The Holy Spirit reminds me, “Hey, be strong and courageous!” It quickly reminds me that I am not alone. God called me. And since He called me, He is with me.
Actually, being strong means having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. It also means being able to withstand force or pressure.
At the time when God was commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous, he was about to assume the role of leading the children of Israel into the promised land. God knew that there was valid reasoning for Joshua to be afraid or discouraged because of what lay ahead of him and just because of the possible, “Who me, God?” factor. Yet, the Lord reassured Joshua that he was the chosen successor of Moses and that He was going to be with him the entire time.
In other words it was if God was saying, “Go forth boldly. I’ve got you!” And if you’ve read the book of Joshua, then you know that God was definitely with him.
So when God calls you and I to do something that is scary or maybe daunting, God wants us to face whatever it is with strength and courage. The word courage simply means the ability to do something that frightens you or strength to face the pain or grief. Being courageous as Christians is all about bulldozing our way through the fear and conquering whatever it is that’s in our way to accomplish God’s will in faith. It’s also plowing through knowing that God is with us, no matter what.
There is no better way to take on a new task, position, illness, or scary thing than to know that you’ve got the Almighty Father with you. His Spirit dwells within us. Knowing His Word and having His command to be strong and courageous is comforting! My sister, He is with you. So, do not be afraid or discouraged.
Also, remember that Jesus is coming back soon, and those who endure unto the end, shall be saved. Let God change you from the inside out.
Questions to ponder: Have you ever felt so afraid that you were too fearful to move forward? Have you ever felt so discouraged that you felt like giving up or “Why me, God?” Does this verse help you to trust God to get moving again or be reassured of His presence and supernatural help?
If you need prayer, please leave your prayer request in the comment section or you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I’d love to hear from you. Also, discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com. Let’s connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye
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Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
