The words written in the margin of my Bible read: “Instructions for success.” Marked are several verses, spoken by God Himself to Joshua, following the death of Moses.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.” (Joshua 1:7, NLT)
We desire to be successful in life, achieving goals and positions. We’ve become enamored with words like “brave” and “courageous”, using them often to describe our journeys. The mere mention of the words, indicative of strength, and put us in a positive light. But a closer look at the above Scripture brought new, perhaps deeper, understanding of what it means to be courageous.
God gives the command three times within three verses – “Be strong and courageous!” The fact the words bore repeating should be enough to get our attention. If we are truly desirous of success in this life, we will need to pay attention to exactly what is being said to Joshua – and to us.
- Be strong and courageous to carefully obey all the instructions given to us. We will need to be fiercely brave and determined to obey God’s Word even when those around us disregard His commands.
- Be strong and courageous to not deviate. We are not to even slightly turn right or left. We must be brave to stay on the path of obedience and righteousness. We must not compromise the Truth in exchange for acceptance or affirmation.
- Be strong and courageous so as not to become discouraged. It is easy to be “obedient” here and now. But God is after us being steadily and faithfully obedient, even when it is difficult to do so.
God is desirous for us to be successful. But we cannot think we can change the very steps which pave the way. We must study His Word, meditate on His Word, and obey His Word.
“Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
This is my command- be strong and courageous!”
(verse 9)
Today I am joining … Trekking Thru the Week and #RaRaLInkup and Teaching What Is Good and Tea and Word Tuesday .
I love the words brave and courageous but I know how easy it is to throw them out there and not understand the depth to which God meant them. Joshua is told to be brave and courageous several times in that section of scripture that you quoted. I like how you broke it down to make it specific and practical.
Thank you, Mary. I cannot help but wonder if God did not reiterate for Joshua to be brave and courageous so that Joshua would know it was possible for him to be so. Perhaps God wanted Joshua to know how He saw him as Joshua relied on God. And so it is with us today as well.
Joanne, I’ve always thought it interesting how Joshua needed so many reminders to be strong and courageous even after spending so many decades working closely with Moses. It’s comforting to remember that God knows the kind of encouragement each of us needs individually and doesn’t expect our faith to be exactly like anyone else’s. At the same time, His “instructions for success” apply to all of us, even (maybe especially) today. Great post!
Lois, you bring such a powerful point. God has given us a corporate word (Scriptures for us all) that are to be an individual word (meant for us personally & uniquely). Amazing to think on.
Encouraging post, Joanne! I’ve always loved that passage in Joshua. And I particularly like your number 2 point. “Be strong and courageous to not deviate. We are not to even slightly turn right or left. We must be brave to stay on the path of obedience and righteousness. We must not compromise the Truth in exchange for acceptance or affirmation.”
It can be so easy to compromise the truth to keep peace. But … at what cost? Just wondering. So glad you shared!
Reading this made me realize that being strong and courageous means surrendering completely to God.
Debbie, that is a powerful thought. And to think that often ‘surrendering’ implies “weakness”. Thank you for highlighting a lie we so often buy into.
I love Joshua 1:8 and 9. I memorized those in my college years and they have continued to minister to my heart.
Isn’t it amazing to realize how a Scripture can impact us for life?
Dear Joanne, I really needed this encouragement today as I ponder a job transition. I may not be taking on a massive task like Joshua, but that doesn’t make obedience to the Lord’s will any less crucial. It also helps knowing success in God’s eyes may not even vaguely resemble success through the eyes of man. Thanks and blessings for being God’s conduit.