Joshua 1:9(KJV)
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
It is clear from the above Scripture we cannot achieve much in our Christian race without boldness. For this reason, several passages of the Bible admonish the children of God to be strong and courageous. In the Kingdom of God, courage is speaking and acting without fear in the face of distress or concerns over a threat or challenge in God’s kingdom. Only people with the strength of character can display courage when there is trouble. More importantly, the personalities of boldness and courage have spiritual significance because they are necessary for entering God’s presence and dealing with the forces of darkness. Psalm 31:24 says, “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Believers should approach each day with confidence because the Lord is with them, and with Him, they find everything they need. When we commit our life to Him, He promises to be with us wherever we go.
The children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, and it was up to Joshua to lead them into the promised land. As he was feeling overwhelmed with the task, the Lord encouraged him to be strong and courageous, for He is with him. Joshua needed this assurance to lead the children of Israel into their inheritance. These comforting words can apply to all of us as we seek to live a good life and overcome our own unique challenges. In a bid to get our attention, satan and his demons comprise a well-organized army that is skillful in carrying out devastating attacks on its victims by sowing fear. The devil wants the children of God to think they have failed and will do their best to show all the impossibilities around them. However, as children of God, we must trust in the Lord as our undeniable source of strength. God promises we will succeed when we turn to Him for guidance, for He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He has the answers we need to face any challenge before us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Beloved, be strong and courageous in your walk with the Lord. You must not be dismayed or perturbed when surrounded by giant-like situations and the unpredictability of life because there is no mountain so high that God cannot make a plain. Whatever giant is before you, whatever problem, challenge, affliction, persecution, trial, or the general economic or financial situation, arise in courage and firmness and confront such through faith. The devil knows he can only stop you successfully if you agree with him. So he will do all he can to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief in you. Don’t be afraid but be bold as a lion. Respond to any situation with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold you through any circumstance. Be strong, for our God, Father, and Shepherd is always near and with you, even if it doesn’t seem so. Don’t be afraid, for God was with Joshua at the Jordan, with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace(Daniel 3), and He promises to be with you always to the very end of the age. Put aside the past and lift up your eyes to Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of your faith. Live boldly and dream boldly, so you can embrace the good things He has in store for you! Receive the strength and courage to possess your possession now in the Name of Jesus. Remember, failure is not fatal, but the courage to keep going is what counts.
O LORD, grant me the spirit of boldness and courage in Jesus’ Name.