'Courage for God’s Calling'
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” – Joshua 1:6
The people of Israel stood at the edge of the Promised Land. Moses had led them faithfully for forty years, but because of his disobedience, he could only see the land from Mount Nebo. God then passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua. It would now be Joshua’s responsibility to lead the people into God’s promise. This was no small task—nations had to be defeated, cities fortified with high walls stood in the way, and the people he led were not a trained army. No wonder God had to say again and again: “Be strong and courageous.”
One of Joshua’s defining moments came near Jericho (Joshua 5:13–6:2). Standing before him was the commander of the Lord’s army. Afraid at first, Joshua took off his sandals and bowed before God’s servant. Then Yahweh said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” (Joshua 6:2) This encounter reminded Joshua that the battle belonged to the Lord. The victory was already assured—not because of Israel’s strength, but because of God’s plan. Joshua only had to be courageous enough to step forward in obedience.
Life with Joshua, tells us to be strong and courageous because God has a plan for each of us to fulfill. God has given each of us a mission in His Kingdom: to proclaim the gospel, defend the weak, care for those in need, live in holiness, and raise godly families. These tasks take courage. That courage does not come from self-confidence but confidence that God Himself goes before us.
We see this same truth in the New Testament. When Peter and John healed a lame man in Acts 4, they stood boldly before the rulers who had power to imprison them. Scripture says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13). Their courage was not from natural ability—it was from being with Jesus and being filled with His Spirit.
Like Peter and John, our courage and power comes from spending time with Jesus. Have you been spending time with Jesus? Have you sat at the feet of His teaching like the other disciples? Have you spent time in prayerful conversation allowing God to shape you and give you your marching orders? John Wayne once said that “Courage is being afraid but saddling up anyway.” Where is God calling you to step forward in courage today? Is it in sharing your faith at work, standing up for what is right, forgiving someone you have held a grudge against, healing a relationship you have ignored, or trusting Him with an uncertain future? The task may seem daunting and too much for you but saddle up anyway. God has gone before you. The battle is the Lord’s.
Blessings,
Jonathan