Articles
Be Strong
We see Joshua being placed into the leadership role after Moses’ death in the first chapter
of Joshua. In four short verses Joshua is told by God three times to be strong and courageous.
Joshua is faced with a monumental task. He will have to lead millions of Jews. He is to take over
leadership from Moses who had been the Israelites leader for over 40 years. He is tasked with
leading an invasion into a new land that is heavily defended with walled cities. With all of this,
how could he be anything but fearful? But God encourages him, “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).
To be commanded to be strong and courageous seems like a lot to ask of a man, yet God
repeats this three times to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9). God’s instructions are clear. He expects Joshua
not only to carry out the tasks set before him, but to have the faith and trust in God’s promise so
that he will not be overcome by fear. Not only is he told by God to be strong and courageous, but
the people he was to lead, encouraged him to be strong and courageous as well (Joshua 1:18).
What does this have to do with you and me? Isn’t this Old Testament stuff? In Ephesians,
Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and gives them similar instructions, “Finally, be strong in
the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able
to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). We aren’t facing defended
walled cities, but we are facing something much more dangerous —a fight for our souls and the
souls of our neighbors. If we truly understood what lies before us I think we would all struggle
with fear at times. The instructions given by Paul should help us face those fears with the power
of God as our protection. ~B Tolbert
