Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
— Joshua 1:9 —
Luis Miguel Contreras Romero: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
In the first nine verses of Joshua 1, the Lord commands Joshua to be strong and courageous three times, and twice He tells Joshua that He would be with him. Why would the Lord repeat these words? Probably because of the difficulty of the task. When God gives Joshua this command, he is in his upper 80’s, receiving the enormous task of leading the nation of Israel into Canaan. The nearness of God encourages many believers in Mexico to be strong and courageous in the Lord, even amid a shaky economy. Moses is dead and Joshua is to conquer and divide the land among the tribes of Israel. But the Lord showed His compassion to Joshua, by reminding Him twice (Josh. 1:5, 9) that He would be with Him. The certainty that God was with Joshua was the basis of the strength and courage that he needed to lead Israel. God also assures us as Christians of the wondrous reality of having His presence with us. We may trust that God is with us to give strength and courage in the face of adversity and temptation. The nearness of God encourages many believers in Mexico to be strong and courageous in the Lord, even amid a shaky economy. The next time you are confronted with hardship or financial uncertainty, remember the promise that God is with you (Heb. 13:5). It was this promise that established Joshua’s victories; and it is this promise that will keep your path straight, as well.
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