Read Joshua 1

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Three times in the first chapter of the book of Joshua, the Lord told Joshua to “be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Moses, the brave leader of the Israelites had just died, and now this man Joshua, who had helped Moses and trusted in the Lord, was chosen to lead God’s people.

Can you imagine yourself in such a situation? Taking the place of the man who has led the nation for forty years, who stood up to Pharaoh, who patiently guided the stiffnecked people through the wilderness. Are you ready for such a challenge?

Many great men and women of God, whose faith and whose courage were above average, have passed on. Who will fill their shoes and keep preaching the gospel and encouraging the church as faithfully as they did?

We must encourage our young people now to think about their future in the church. We need boys who want to grow up to be elders, deacons, preachers, and Bible class teachers. We need girls who want to marry those future leaders and who want to raise their children in the Lord and who wants to teach other women and children how to follow Jesus.

Parents and grandparents have such a tremendous influence on young minds. We must be intentional about this! Just as the young evangelist developed a “genuine faith” by watching and emulating his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5), we must be setting a proper example for the young people around us to follow. And as we set that example, remember the words God had for Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage!”

Joshua needed that encouragement, but notice that he received it from more than just God. The children of Israel encouraged their new leader as well, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go….Only be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:16, 18).

When is the last time you encouraged the elders where you serve? Or the deacons who are working hard to see that their areas of work are effective? Or the preacher who has faithfully delivered the gospel message week in and week out? Make it a point this week to tell them, “Be strong and of good courage!”