Be a Joshua

“Be strong and of a good courage.” 

a Devotional Post from author Angela Carlisle

At the walls of Jericho

Recently I noticed how often these words were spoken to Joshua. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses tells him twice. Skip to the beginning of the book of Joshua and you’ll read similar words coming directly from God (Joshua 1:6,7,9).  Then what happens at the end of the chapter? The people tell him the same thing (Joshua 1:18). 

Now, I’ve never thought of Joshua as a man who struggled with courage. I mean, look at him. He is the only one of the Israelites allowed to hike part-way up Mount Sinai with Moses (Exodus 24:13). He’s the one who kept worshiping at the tabernacle long after everyone else left (Exodus 33:11). He’s one of the two spies who were brave enough to say, “God will fight for us” when the other ten said “There’s no way” (Numbers 14). He was chosen to lead the children of Israel after Moses’ death (Numbers 27), and he didn’t bat an eye when God said to simply be quiet and march around Jericho, probably the most formidable fortress he’d ever seen (Joshua 5). Yet, he had to be reminded not to be afraid – to have courage – over and over again within just a few chapters. Why?

I can’t say I have the answer to that question. The Bible doesn’t tell us. But maybe Joshua was like some of us. Our desire is to serve God, so that’s what we do. We work, we go to church, we pray, we try to be the person we know we should be. To others, we look like we have it all together. But inside we’re screaming “I can’t do this!” “What was I thinking?” “Why did Moses have to die and leave me with all this?”

Perhaps God wants to whisper to you today, just like He did to Joshua. “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.” (Joshua 1:9, KJV)

Take time to listen to His voice today. Remember that whatever God has given you to do, He will enable you to do it. After all, He is God – He’s got it under control.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that You use real people with real fears to accomplish Your work. Give us, like Joshua, the courage to do Your will, knowing that You are the source of our strength. Amen.

Angela Carlisle is a writer and pharmacy technician from Northern Kentucky and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Bible Studies. Angela prefers to spend her free time reading, writing, and drinking insane amounts of hot tea. Her work has appeared in Splickety Magazine. 

Connect online at www.angelacarlisle.com