Today’s Reading:
Joshua 1: 6-9
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
In many ways, adversity is like a training ground (boot camp); it is rigorous, painful, and challenging. Difficulties cause us to adopt new routines and habits. It helps us to mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and also to grow in our relationship with the Lord (Romans 5: 3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.) During times of trial, we need to remain courageous and faithful. We also must stay steadfast in our devotion to the Lord as we battle feelings of doubt, fear, and limitation. He will provide the strength and hope not only to endure the hardship but also, to make the changes that are required of us so we can claim the blessings of God.
Thankfully, we can trust Him to “transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” (Philippians 3: 21)—to change us so we live a life honouring our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and face every hurdle with great determination. When the time came for the people of God to cross the Jordan and inhabit the Land of Promise, the Lord named Joshua as the leader to succeed Moses and counselled him about being courageous (Joshua 1: 6-7, 9): Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go…….. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua was encouraged as he took the mantle of leadership from Moses and led the children of Israel from where Moses finished. As someone who was closely associated with Moses, Joshua had grown in faith and leadership abilities—he also knew all about adversity. Undoubtedly, the forty years of wandering in the wilderness had subjected him to physical, relational, spiritual, emotional, and mental hardships that helped him to understand the harsh realities of pain and suffering. Joshua also knew that the Lord was with him and the nation of Israel. This assurance gave him all he needed to persevere, no matter how difficult the situation became.
Note (3) things that inspired Joshua to be brave:
Making decisions that affected other people under his leadership
keeping the laws and commandments, even as changes occurred
Remembering continually that the Lord was with him, despite contrary circumstances that came up
Conclusion:
There are times when each one of us needs courage in our journey in life, and we need to obtain strength through the same three areas. The storms of life strike without warning, and we find ourselves crying out to God. We need His wisdom, hope, and assurance. And when we measure life’s challenges and trials against His mighty power, we gain the courage we need to proceed on to triumph because He has already won the eternal victory for us (John 16: 33). Halleluyah!
IRETI SOLOLA
Prayer:
Father, I confess all my misdeeds, please forgive me and let me obtain mercy.
Father, please help me to stay focused in spite of what circumstances cast on my way.
Father, please hasten my destiny to manifestation.
Father, in the Name of Jesus, let my life be an expression of your grace.
Father, let Your church continue to match on and make inroads into more territories that have not known Christ.
Father, have mercy on Nigeria in the name of Jesus.
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