“Be strong and of a good courage…. Only be thou strong and very courageous…. Be strong and of a good courage” (Josh. 1:6-7,9).
After reading the book of Joshua many times, I’m convinced that, as God began to give Joshua his instructions (Chapter 1), Joshua was deeply shaken by the magnitude of the task that lay before him.
Yet God didn’t speak to Joshua about the impossibilities. He simply kept repeating to him, “Be strong and of good courage!”
God didn’t tell Joshua to do a great many things. He didn’t say, “Go figure out how to get across the river.” He didn’t say, “Check your military might and see if you have firepower to conquer this land.”
He said, “Only…” (Did you see that? Only!). “Only be thou strong and very courageous!”
In other words, “Joshua, your part in this assignment is to be strong and of a good courage. I’ll take care of everything else. I’ll win the battles. I’ll keep the people in line. I’ll show you how to divide the land. You just be courageous!”
“Well, Brother Copeland, He’s never said that to me!”
Yes, He has. In fact, He had it written for you in the New Testament.
“He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb. 13:5-6). Therefore, “my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Eph. 6:10).
For whatever impossible challenge that may be lying before you, God has already given you your instructions. “Be strong and very courageous.” If you’ll do that, He’ll take care of the rest.
Speak the Word: I am strong and of good courage. (Josh. 1:6)
For Further Study: Joshua 1
Daily Scripture Reading: Ezek. 14-15; Ps. 99
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
For the last 50 years Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have been passionately teaching Christians all over the world how to apply the principles of faith found in God's WORD to their lives.
They have seven ministry offices around the world: United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Ukraine and Latin America. Their God-given directive is to preach and teach the uncompromised WORD of God on every available voice, which is being accomplished through a variety of channels, including our Believer's Voice of Victory TV and radio broadcasts, podcast and magazine; Believers' Conventions, Victory Campaigns and Living Victory meetings; published books, website, and social media channels, to name a few.
With the expansion of technology, they have more work to do now than ever. They are determined to let the world know Jesus is LORD, and they are not slowing down anytime soon!