Anyone up for a change today? If so,

Grab your Bibles or read here: Joshua 1

After Moses’ death, God called Joshua to lead the Israelite’s into the land God promised them.

Let’s take a minute to process this. Moses. Kind of a big deal, right? He dies. What do you imagine is happening throughout the people? Overwhelming sense of mourning? Intense fear of the unknown? Despair of hopelessness? 
I’m guessing all of the above! There is a reason Chapter 1 alone says, not once, but FOUR times,

“Be Strong and Courageous“

God has called Joshua to lead His people out of the dessert after forty years of eating bread from the heavens, they were being called out and promised “every place they set foot” (v3) and that “no one will be able to stand against them (Israelites) all the days of their lives” (v5). God confirmed His promise by saying “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” 
Here is a closer look at His command,

1. Be Strong and Courageous (v6)
2. Be Strong and Very Courageous (v7)
3. Have I not told you? Be Strong and Courageous (v9)
4. Only Be Strong and Courageous (v18) 

Okay – I love this! Like so much! Maybe even more so in verse 9 when for the 3rd time says,

“Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous!” 

Maybe as He was saying “Be Strong and Courageous” the first two times He saw in their eyes hesitancy, fear and doubt. Or maybe this calling seemed too daunting and impossible. As the loving Father He is, He reassures them again, then continued,

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

After Joshua’s powerful surge into his new calling from the Lord, God’s people respond. And based off their past experience with not being quite as compliant or obedient, this time they said, without questioning,

“Whatever you have commanded us to do, wherever you send us we will go. Only be strong and courageous.”

Friends, we have each been given a special calling from the Lord. And to Be Strong and Courageous! What will you do with that? Will YOU accept this great challenge and walk in obedience today?

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
-Joshua 1:8

Heavenly Father, You have called us to much more than we can humanly handle! But along with calling us into your greatness, You have equipped us with Your mighty power! (Ephesians 6:10) Please Lord, help us to be strong and courageous because we are IN battle, right now! The Enemy is standing fiercely at the battle front, waiting for us. And Lord God, You’ve already given us victory! Help us live victorious and stand firm in You! May we BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! In Your Holy and Precious Name, Amen.