Courage in the Crisis

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

“One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Joshua 23:10 (ESV)

“And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Joshua 23:14 (ESV)

Over the past few days I have kept hearing the word “courage” within my spirit and then saw this word in front of me during my Bible reading time as I make my way through the book of Joshua. What was even more ironic, or more so divinely aligned was that about one month ago, I found a bible study reading plan on this book that I never completed. I picked up the book and scanned my brain as I perused through the lesson plans, trying to devise a time when I would be able to use and apply it. Well, here we are and now what a mighty word courage truly is, especially during these unsteady times.

As you may or may not know, I love to study and when I see a word that speaks to me, I look up different definitions that may ring a bell and widen the scope of my perception. In searching the word on dictionary.com, two definitions stuck out which I believe are applicable during this period of history in the making. The first definition is the “ability to do something that frightens one” and the second is “strength in the face of pain or grief”.  I then understood why God commanded Joshua several times to be strong and courageous because strength is a pre-requisite for courage. And if there were ever a time when both are needed, it is right now.

I am not sure what you may be facing or embracing that is frightening, but I know God has a word and promise for us all. If you have time during your isolation season and if like me, you need courage during the crisis, read the book of Joshua. It literally points out God’s commands, what He spoke over His people and the fulfillment of those promises. When He spoke to Joshua in the 1^st chapter, Joshua was taking over leadership from someone whom everyone respected that had just died; Moses. I imagine that Joshua may have considered himself not qualified, but God commanded Him to be that which He was calling him to be.

What is God commanding you to do during this “Covid-crisis”? If He can create a leader out of one person who would bring His chosen to the land He promised, then what do you think He can do through you? What scares you most about this season of seclusion and what promise is God trying to fulfill in your life right now?  God will give us the courage we need to confront our fears, but we must do what He has commanded us to complete. This act of obedience is tied to our blessing and if He can call Joshua up to the forefront, then imagine where He may be preparing to send you?

Stay Encouraged in Him!