Facing a series of mountains, some nearing the summit, others yet approached, staring at the climb ahead. A yearlong project nearing completion, a six-month struggle turning the corner, settling my mother in a final resting place and my sister boldly facing Goliaths with but a sling and stones, and the Power of God.
Emotions run rampant with steps forward and stumbles backwards, strength and weakness, peaks and valleys. In the midst of uncertainty, the Lord speaks.
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 – NIV
Reading deeper in Joshua it says, “be strong and courageous” in verse 6, then in verse 7, then again in verse 9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Not just a single halftime pep talk, but a Godly command, and repeated two times over; a message He wanted us to hear loudly today.
Moses had died and Joshua was in charge of God’s people. It was time to cross the Jordan into lands God promised after many years of wandering. I imagine Joshua felt as unprepared for the tasks as I am now. God responded with, “Be strong and courageous,” and said it again, and again. At times, we do not understand what God is saying or just cannot accept it, so He repeats Himself until it sinks in.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – NIV
If we were truly strong and courageous on our own accord, we would rely on our resources to drive back the challenge before us. God’s power is made perfect in my weakness, so I need to accept my frailty to allow His power to take over, to become perfect. Being fragile is not the problem, accepting it and laying it down as a pathway for God’s great power is the task.
Relying on God’s immeasurably sufficient grace, especially in the face of weakness, allows us to be strong and courageous wrapped in the loving arms of the Almighty.
Be strong, courageous and blessed.
