Life comes at you fast doesn’t it? We spend a lot of our lives trying to stay in our comfort zones and avoid uncontrollable circumstances, but once in a while it sneaks up on you. The journey that Joshua was about to embark on was anything but safe; it was probably something closer to terrifying. But God had more to say than just “go.” His instructions to Joshua continue, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)
As you consider the challenges that lie ahead of you. Leading your family, facing your fear, running a business, battling illness, fighting for your marriage, etc…What do you imagine God would say to you right now? I’d imagine something like, Be strong and courageous, I am with you, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged…
You were made for more than safety. You were made for purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says that God created us for good plans that He laid down long before we were ever born. Be strong and courageous. Fight for your purpose. Whatever God has given you responsibility for, take charge, today. Because some things are more important than simply staying safe and waiting for status quo to play out in front of us while we watch from the sidelines.
