Courage

First Move 2023.
Day Three.

Courageous - means to be Brave 

Joshua 1:5-9
5. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 
6. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 
7. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 
8.This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 
9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua was faced with the challenge of a lifetime. The transition of leadership had taken place and they were getting ready to possess the promise which God had given them as a people.
In life the closer we get to the promise is the greater the challenges we will face. Whether it is people or situations we must be courageous. 
The situation was Moses had just transitioned to heaven (died) and the burden was now on Joshua to carry. Having observed first hand the pressure and burden of leadership which Moses carried he probably was faint in spirit and ready to throw in the towel and wave the white flag. We are all tempted to do this from time to time. To just give up.

But if we look closely we will notice that someone was speaking to Joshua. And that person was the Lord. 
No matter how heavy your burden is or how rocky the road may be that you are called to navigate. You are not alone on the journey. Take a look at the promise of you savior. 

Deut 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

No way in the process did God tell Joshua that it will be smooth and easy. But he told him to be courageous and not to lose heart. As you fast and pray today, be courageous in your faith and press to accomplish what is ahead of you.

Do not fear the circumstance, focus on your God who is with you. The Holy Spirit is constantly with you to lead and guide you through and make a way out of the circumstance you are in today. 

2 Tim 2:7
 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Fear is an antidote to your progress. But His presence is more powerful.

Be Courageous. 

Pastor Sam.