I put no stock in fortune cookies. Still, I usually crack one open once I’m overfull from a generous plate of sesame chicken and rice. Despite my satisfied appetite, I nibble on a bite of the sweet shell while reading the words printed on the tiny slip of paper inside.
I’m not sure why I have trouble resisting that treat at the bottom of my takeout bag. Maybe it’s my love of sugar, but I think it’s something more. In a world that seems to grow more uncertain by the day, we want a sure thing. We want to know what’s coming, what’s not, and what’s next. A fortune cookie isn’t going to change our circumstances, but it’s fun to pretend for a moment that it might.
When the book of Joshua opens, the Israelites have come to the end of one long, unpredictable journey. That is, unpredictable as far as the humans involved are concerned. The Lord has been with His people each step of the way. And here, as Israel stands on the edge of the last leg of their journey to the promised land, God promises that His faithfulness will continue:
“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.
I will be with you, just as I was with Moses.
I will not leave you or abandon you” (Joshua 1:5).
As profoundly complex as the situation seemed, it was also profoundly simple: God was keeping His promise, just like He always had and always will. Israel got the message, and they responded in kind: “‘Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything’” (vv.16–17).
If you’ve read ahead, you know how this story ends. The God of Israel was completely faithful to His people. They crossed the Jordan River and took possession of the land He’d promised their ancestor Abraham 450 years earlier. You may also know that Israel did not hold to the “everything” and “everywhere” they’d promised. Yes, they followed Joshua, heeding his instructions to prepare, go, and remember (vv.11–13), but their faithfulness was only partial. As through a sieve, obedience slipped through the holes in their good intentions. Their faith wasn’t perfect, yet God’s Word and faithfulness did not falter.
This Bible makes some bold promises. They aren’t fortune-cookie promises to be read one moment and tossed aside the next. They are holy promises, true promises (Psalm 19:7). When God promises, “I will” and “I have,” He truly will and He truly has.
Praise the Lord, His faithfulness is sure! We can walk with courage and confidence into the certainty of a tomorrow where God will never leave us or forsake us. As coheirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), every foot forward is another step on the journey of seeing God’s promises fulfilled.
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244 thoughts on "God Encourages Joshua"
God is faithful and true.
Looking forward to delving into Joshua to dig deep into this book. So many truths spoken on day 1!
This is a great reminder of not only how great our God is but our part of obedience.
Thankful for a faithful God!
The overwhelming amount of “be strong and courageous” that is spoken is a powerful reminder. It’s a promise that God can partake in. To encourage us, just as a parent would a child. Seeing the beauty of the future, but capturing the present moment. We are meant to live day by day, promise by promise and make it through 24hrs. Are are limited to this, but we are meant to lean on His promises and be strong, be courageous.
God is faithful and He is good
God is faithful to me
Wow, this was a blessing today! After having difficulty and repenting to God for a selfish heart posture, this truth is so needed. Praise God for his faithfulness despite my own sinful and human ways. Thankful for sanctification and God’s holy promises today.
So grateful for a present God!
We don’t deserve encouragement, yet he encourages!
This really spoke to me. Every step in a step towards an ending- a promised land I cannot imagine of an eternity with my creator
This was good! I’ve been listening to the podcast for a year abs finally joined.
God’s love and faithfulness is the only sure thing I have experienced in this life!
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I needed this! We live in such an unpredictable world now that is constantly changing, turning, and flipping upside down. However, it’s a good reminder that God is the creator over all and that He makes good on His promises when it is His time. Thank goodness it’s His timing and not mine!
My mom is really struggling w a cancer diagnosis and her having to walk through really aggressive chemo treatments. This was a timely word as I am reminded of the many promises the lord has fulfilled for myself and my family, even when things don’t look a certain way or may not always feel the best. Obedience truly is taking one step forward blindly and trusting in the Lords “I Will’s” and “I haves” every step of the way. Because he has been so faithful we have the ability to be bold and courageous despite our circumstance bc we know who gets the victory, always.
I think I sometimes forget how good our God is. I doubt his powerfulness and hie love and mercy and I try to do it all on my own. I just have to let go and let him be in control!
The Lord will never leave us! This promise is helping us through our current trial. He is carrying through a storm I could have never imagined. He is so faithful!
Be strong and courageous! I love that it’s repeated over and over in the Bible. A good reminder for the tough times! ❤️
I love how many times he reminds them to be strong and courageous. Reminding me he knows the human spirit is weak and lovingly keeps the truth prominent if we (I) just choose to open His word.
“The Lord is with you wherever you go.”
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Starting the book of Joshua makes me feel happy! Knowing that God is there with us through our journey of life is so blissful. Hearing be “strong and courageous” is just what I been needing to hear from God.
So reassuring
i love the promise that we have in God- he will not leave us or forsake us. he didn’t leave the israelites and his word stays true today- he is always with us, so we should be strong and courageous in knowing this promise!
I am surprised everytime I read GOD’S Word how much we are like the Israelites. I used to think, “You people got to see God do amazing things first hand and you still whine and complain and disobey!” Then I watch the news and I’m reminded of all we have seen God do for us and how we are throwing it back in His face now. History is repeating itself.
I loved the podcast… we are commanded to be strong and courageous, because no doubt we will go through tough things where strength and courage are needed. Thankful for His promise to never leave me as I walk through the tough things with Him as my strength.
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Thank you for that reminder as well. I’m quick to judge other’s for their history, yet mine is littered with sin just like theirs is.
I’m always amazed at God word that is alive and active. I have read these passages when I was younger, now as my family and I have a season of transition in ministry approaching I’m encouraged to be like those following Joshua at this time. Obedient, faithful, and in the midst of not doing it 100% right or perfect reminder that He still keeps me and doesn’t forsake me.
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Trusting God ♥️
My pastor John Lindell James River Church in Springfield Missouri just wrote a book called a New Normal based on the book of Joshua. I am privileged to be on his launch team so currently reading it and thus study is perfect. This coming Sunday he will even begin a sermon series based on his book. Only a person of epic faith could take up Moses’ mission and be strong enough to complete it.
So often the command is to “be strong and courageous”. Surely this is our command today. We too must be strong and courageous in the face of all that we face in a day. In the face of uncertainty, the unbelief and derision toward Christianity, and the barrage of other “truth” that permeates every part of the culture. Be strong and courageous, sisters!
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Even when I have fallen short— God has always held his promise.
It is so good to hear the promises that God promises us. I know on the hardest days these verses get me through it!
It amazes me that they stand there and assure Joshua that they will do whatever and go wherever he commands them, yet the whole OT is littered with stories of Israel’s disobedience. I then am amazed at myself for ridiculing because I definitely haven’t fully obeyed God over the years that I have been a believer. This is a humble reminder for me that despite my disobedience he is a faithful God!
Thank you for this devotional. A reminder that we can walk confidently in God in times of uncertainty is important. I want to flag that the text doesn’t elude to ALL of Israelites “respond[ing] in kind,” (vs. 16-17). Verse 12 notes that he is specifically speaking to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Mannaseh. This, to me, is an important distinction because to walk confidently in God I want people around me that will encourage and support me on my journey. I imagine many Israelites were not too happy to hear the news of going to the promised land. This group was so far removed from the original promise it may have felt like an old story to tell around the fire. They had heard it for centuries and didn’t believe it was going to happen. I imagine Joshua would have needed some all the way down friends that believed him completely and supported what he believed God was telling him. So, as I reflect on preparing to receive God’s promises, doing so by faith and being strong and courageous, I will be on the look out for those God has surrounded me with that will affirm and encourage m in my pursuits.
So very true. We can joyfully rest on these promises.
If you have not already listen to the podcast it really fits well with this week.
There are a lot of resources. They have a $4 book at life-way called the Promises of God book
Does anyone have a resource that would show the “promises” of God? We talk a lot about this in Christian circles but many don’t seem like directly promised from scripture (more like implied promises). Any thoughts ladies?
When times are hard it helps me so much to remember that he is the promise keeper!
Thank You Lord for Your Word. Thank You because You never break Your promises despite of everything that we have done in everyday and season of our lives. Thank You because You’re faithful! Guide us Lord every step we will take and strengthen our faith every time we doubt to make a step. God is good!
Love this!!
This app has changed my life
JT, I can so relate to what you shared. I feel like what you said so often – can’t understand His glory, my life is fraught with sin, He guides me into what is best for me because I so often am clueless, I am helpless without Him. Thank you for sharing. We are His.
We will see victory after victory when our sights are set on him.
My relationship with God
Within it, there is joy. Something beautiful, like a sunny day after weeks of rain. He is with me there always. Woven into the very threads of my being. He made me. He invites me into his life, even though I can’t even fully understand his glory. Even though my life is fraught with sin. He guides me into what is best for me because I am so often clueless. I am like an innocent child. I am helpless without God. He shields me. He is my protector
He has and He will.
Thank you Lord for your holy promises.
Prepare, go and remember
I am so grateful for this passage of scripture study, especially at time where I’m walking in this season of the UKNOWN. It’s very important to be reminded of what He said to Joshua so that I too can remain encouraged and strong. Unwavering, in my belief that my Father is leading the way and I simply cannot fail by following His leading, His commands, His instructions. No matter how difficult or challenging the circumstances!!! Irregardless of the various outcomes, He remains FAITHFUL TO HIS EVERY WORD!!! I’m so grateful and comforted by this Truth!!!
He never fails ❤️
Loved this
God is keeping his promise just like he always has and always will!— so good!!
Such an amazing read.
The scripture reading today was such a blessing. I love how the word of God fills my soul with peace and joy. Nothing else can do.
The reoccurring words to Joshua and the people “be strong and courageous” resonate with me. It reminds me that there will be tough and trying times where I will need to be strong and courageous. In those times, I need to remember that God goes before, is beside me and within me.
Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain.
God always faithful! ❤️
What a comfort it is to know that Christ is before us, behind us and beside us regardless of where we position ourselves. He is faithful forever!
So interesting how many times throughout the selected scripture God states “be strong and courageous”. Its a reminder to trust and be confident in what he has or will give or provide for us because he is god. With him we have strength and courage in us to pursue whatever lies ahead on our path for the glory of his kingdom!
God is with us. He is faithful. When we waiver He is steadfast! I am incredibly thankful to serve and remember such an amazing God. He is merciful, loving, and faithful to us.
Starting this plan tonight, headed into a week that is causing me so much anxiety, but this word is so timely. The perfect reminder as to God’s perfect and unfaltering promise.
This came at the perfect time! It has definitely been a lonely and year full of uncertainty. Just this past week, I have been reminded over and over that God’s promises NEVER fail and he ALWAYS provides and sends the right people at exactly the right time❤️
This is a great reminder in dealing with our present circumstances. It’s a scary world right now and I feel so isolated but God never leaves!
How life giving this truth is. When my whole world has unraveled, friendships, the comfort of a provision of financial stability from my husband gone, broken vows, He is faithful and never changes even if we do or our circumstances. I have had friends that I didn’t expect show up and be the example of the Father and a reminder that where we are obiendienat in love and kindness is where the reward is.
I really needed this reminder as I’ve felt God has been far and silent from me lately. How funny when I open my Bible for the first time in weeks, this is the passage, that God never leaves and is always with me.
I have always had problems with men leaving me from my father to cousins, male friends and then I started to end relationships before them so I wasn’t hurt first and left behind. God has been and will be the only one to stay with me always and forever. I am thankful for that promise always
Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy. Even as humans when we falter you do not.
Camilia— me too! It is hard to remember and behold that God is good at being God, and we are not. We can be faithful to remember and dwell of God’s faithfulness.
I’m desperately wanting to cling to these promises and know they are certain and sure. Yet I wrestle with doubt amidst the journey of being in the “wait” and “unknown” of any kind of certainty..especially as this year has unfolded. Why is trusting God so hard? Yet I’m reminded that though I can be faithless he is always faithful..and we have so many examples of that in scripture and in our lives if only I pay attention.
Yes that is very encouraging
I thank God that he provides for us so that we can do his work
God has a plan for all of us. He will never leave us. He’s right there with us fighting the battle. Praise you God! Thank you for Jesus!
Remember what God has done in the past. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is faithful even when I am not. Even when I cannot feel Him or see what He is going to do up ahead. Wait and Pray with expectation. When I let myself down, remember that God is the one in control. Not me. He will bring me into the Promised Land. He will work all things together for my good and His Glory. His Grace is sufficient for the day.
This passage is always a hard one for me to hear, probably because I’ve heard it so many times. It’s a great reminder not to toss it away, but it’s hard to see Gods faithfulness in my life as I struggle with encouraging my husband who doesn’t believe in God or his promises. I hear many stories of God being faithful for some and silent for others and I’m not sure how to process it.
Grateful ♥️
Such an Awsome God!!! Faithful forever❤️
Such a wonderful reminder of His ultimate faithfulness.
Praise God for His Faithfullness
Such an awesome God. Always faithful even when we aren’t!!!
It’s one of my favorites too
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He is FAITHFUL ALWAYS!
Such a wonderful promise! He is faithful – ALWAYS.
3Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
What a promise for Joshua and the people of Israel to hold on to! He also promises to be with us wherever we go. Therefore, I can be strong and courageous!
Dear Anna… I am so sorry for your loss. And I am so thankful that God abides in you… His grace is evidenced and made perfect in us through our weakness. I pray that you will experience His Presence, Peace and Power – that you will experience HIM in extraordinary ways. His heart aches with yours as He collects your tears in a bottle. He embraces you. Lean in to His embrace. Listen to every Word of Truth as He whispers His love to you. Love Him back. He is God.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 is one of my favorite verses- I have it hanging on my mirror. Appreciated this reminder!
What I’m struck by is how God was/is faithful even when we are not.
Joshua was told to be strong and courageous 3x by God, likely because he was afraid and needed that reassurance. Joshua had to go to the people with confidence and strong faith, so he needed God to remind him that God was with him and because of that he could be string and courageous. And as long as he was, the people would obey him.
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@Anna I am praying for you tonight. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalms 40:1-2 NIV I know the mud and mire of losing babies and I also know God hears your cry and keeps his promises. ❤️
God is always with us! We must ALWAYS remember this good news❤️
Thank you!
So excited to study this book! Joshua 1;8 is my sons life verse so I’m so excited to dive deeper in to knowing more about Joshua!!
Strong and contagious
Amen. God is forever faithful. We can always stand on his promises.
Just what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it!
Yes, what a reassuring reminder, thank you!
I am excited about this study! He walks by our side always he will never forsake us. ❤️
❤️thank you
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God is always with us! It’s important to remember this, especially in season where you may be lonely! You are never alone. God is with you!
Amen! God is ALWAYS faithful. This passage repeats “be strong and courageous” four times. The reason we can be “strong and courageous” is always because that FAITHFUL God is with us.
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! God repeated that to Joshua three times. He was stressing to Joshua to trust in His faithfulness. Let’s do the same. The God that was with Moses & Joshua, is still the same God we have today, whose relentless love & faithfulness is the same, past, present & future.❤️
This speaks to my current situation
I have learned a lot. The biggest thing is I need to know that the Lord is always with me. He will never leave me. In my current situation waiting to move and the delay of pur taxes and not able to get a vehicle until we get our taxes it is a stressful situation for my husband and I. We know God is with us and will make sure our needs are met
Amen, God is always with us!
I loved reading this again this morning! Even though we are not perfect in everything that we do, God is still there to encourage us to do better because He has something promised to us that we wants us to have! His covenant will never break! I love Him for that ❤️
Joshua 1:14
God is on a mission to bring us to a place of rest in Him. If we have found that rest, He asks us to entrust our lives to Him as we fight for others to reach their place of rest. God invites us into the battle for the ‘rest of souls’… blessed to bless.
God is faithful in all his ways!
God is my fortune cookie but why do I wait to find Him in the bottom of the problem sometimes? I want to have a sure thing. I want to know what’s coming. I want to know what’s next. I should remember that when I’m faithful I already know and have the answers.
Wow! Day 1 already has me feeling surrounded by the overwhelming presence of God – His timing is always perfect, His plans are already made and perfectly laid out. The repetition of “Be strong and courageous” is exactly what I needed.
9Have 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.”
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I needed this. I have mot been in the word daily for a long time and have been feeling uncertain with every step I take and the steps I may take in the future. But God is here to guide me if I only accept his direction and why wouldn’t I he knew every step that has been taken and that we will take. Lord lead me.
Even when I’m late to everything, God never is. His timing is perfect and so are His plans. Just like He was to Abraham, Moses, and Joshua!
450 years for a promise to be fulfilled. I know that must have been just terrible for each passing generation, but it just reminds me that promises God has for me and my family go on for generations and he ALWAYS fulfills them.
Today’s reading rang so true and it was a blessed reminder of Gods faithfulness to me even when I am not always faithful. The times if feel lost and overwhelmed He’s always there with me I just have to listen and remember! Amen and THANK YOU God!
Praise God , that even though we fall through on our promises, God never fails us in his promise to US! PTL
This was a good reminder of God’s faithfulness and that no matter what He will not forsake me.
I’m excited to dive into the book of Joshua. I know the story of Moses inside and out but know not much of Joshua. I’m trusting that God will teach me and grow me in this study.
I’ve been feeling similarly. It was nice to be reminded that God is always with us.
My feelings also.
Key phrases in this scripture reading…be strong and courageous…do not be frightened…For our God is with us wherever we go…Thanks be to God❤️
I was feeling so anxious and so overwhelmed today. Hearing the repetition of “be strong and courageous” and “do not be afraid” was something I really needed. I’m about to head back into the reopening of our school building and there is still so much uncertainty. But God is good. He is faithful and he will not leave me or abandon me.
Amen!
Thank you Carrie.
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed tonight. Been a Christian for so long but still struggle with guilt and shame. I’m here to begin the lent study. Sometimes feelings comes after discipline. Praying for daily discipline.
Aw I am so sorry that you are struggling. Continue to pray always and every moment you feel necessary. God will never say that you’ve prayed too much. Whenever I struggle, I find myself in consistent prayer and multiple times not because i don’t trust that he didn’t hear me the first time but it just makes me feel better! I will pray for you abby!
Thank you Jodi.
Such an excellent reminder in time when everything still feels somewhat uncertain and there is much to worry over. It’s good to remember the Lord is with us.
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I needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His promises tonight. What a timely message. I need to be strong and courageous- keeping my eyes on Him and remembering to believe in the unseen.
Interesting!!!
Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed his hand has provided!
We did a study in church this spring and summer through the pandemic and it was a great reminder from God that no matter what we face He will always be with us Ava that alone should make us strong and courageous
Lately I’ve been feeling anxious so much to the point I feel physically ill. I started a new corporate job today. Thank you God for commanding us to be strong and courageous. ❤️ I will keep that in mind through these times of change in my life.
Mari, that date and year is significant to me too, perhaps for similar reasons. Standing with you and standing in this verse!
My pastor always tells the congregation, if it’s repeated, it’s important! So be strong and courageous- God is in control.
What a great way to kick off the Lent study – with the sure promise of God’s faithfulness as we anticipate celebrating the promises fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord! He never fails!
I remember learning in a Bible study years ago that 3 in the Bible is a number of significance. I find this so comforting today in the Scripture reading “be strong and courageous” to be repeated three different times. This is a reminder to me, especially in the present state that we are in, to “Be strong and courageous – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”. I pray that I will rest in these promises of God and remember that “He who calls you (ME) is faithful”.
Someone else mentioned it, but I was also struck by the length of time from the promise to Abraham until the Israelites actually entered the promise land – 450 years, including the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness. Wow! God always keeps his promises – in His time, not in our expected timeline. Patience has never been one of my strengths, but I’ve been working on it and reflecting on Ecclesiastes 3:11 often!
Joshua is a military leader and a nation leader, equivalent to modern day President/ Prime Minister and chief National Defense. He inherited a task of leading a nation with famous past records of stubbornness and rebellion. What a challenging task if you ask me. And God says to him, Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?
Shall we notice that this is a COMMANDMENT, and NOT OPTIONAL?
Joshua 1:7 “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou may prosper withersoever thou go”. If we are weak, fearful, troubled and distressed, we won’t be able to observe all the things God commands. “ONLY” = the only way, be strong and VERY courageous” (not somewhat courageous). What does this reveal about God ? He does not set low standards to his children. He sets a high bar.
How can we possibly do this Lord? And where does this great strength and bold courage God commands come from anyways? The answer is close by, “I am with you, wherever you go”, and confirmed again in New Testament “I am with you ALWAYS, yes, even till the end of age” (Matthew 28:20). He won’t send you us to missions without equipping us first, and hereby, He equips us with Himself, with His very presence.
May we know that He who is in us, is stronger than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). May the JOY of the Lord is our STRENGTH (Nehemiah 8:10). May we know that God alone is our DEFENCE (Psalm 62:2). For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). And finally, those who KNOW their God shall be STRONG and do mighty exploits (Daniel 11:32b). The mission is therefore possible, be strong and very courageous. To God, Jehovah Nissi, be the glorious resounding Hallelujah!
Prayers for you Darci
My word of this year this year is “courage” – how perfect that this early in the year we’re studying this book where God repeats “be strong and courageous” not just once, but THREE times!
I’m equal parts excited and terrified to begin this study. I feel the Lord calling me to step into His courage. For what I’m not yet sure, but it feels intense and scary.
His Promises are for us even today, especially today. Be strong and courageous!
Did you listen it in its entirety before you made this comment? Have you listened to her things in their entirety as well? Not just clips or quotes that don’t give us the full picture? I encourage you to! :)
I listened to the podcast on my way to and from work today and then sat down with the first day of the study as soon as I got home. I realized the parallels between this story and my own life and I felt humbled and full of hope. Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged for God is with me wherever I go. That is especially true for me right now and I am grateful for the teaching! ❤️
Listening right now and thank you ladies, enjoying all of it….. Praise Jesus!
This reminds me of my life verse: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8. God is so good and loving and will fights our fights for and with us when we call on him. He’s such a perfect father ❤️
I’m thrilled to begin this Lenten journey, but I have to admit I am disappointed to see Christine Caine as the podcast guest. I hope we are truly using discernment when it comes to modern day “teachers”. Still love y’all, though.
Above all be strong and courageous, the Lord will not leave us or forsake us. He is with us wherever we go. His promises are sure and true.
I really enjoyed this devotional and can relate to a lot of what Amanda is saying. I also have a new verse to add to my encouraging verses list — “Above all be strong and courageous.” Joshua 1:18.
Have a blessed week sisters.
I love how God commands Joshua not once, but THREE times, “be strong and courageous.” Then, to top it off, those Joshua leads tells him the same thing again.
This is a very important message to Joshua that God really wants to get across! And it is DIRECTLY tied to God’s promise to be with Joshua, just as he was with Moses.
I pray that we can all have confidence in God’s commands to us because of God’s promises to us.
So good
God is always faithful—HE is a promise keeper! Following Him when He tells me to go only knowing He is with me—and that is enough. (He changed attitudes, actions, situations and hearts. He brought us this far, we will follow).
I’m really reflecting on the ways God fulfills His promises, even when the journey is long. And His courage is what strengths us, it isn’t courage we need to have on our own.
Truth!
You are right on point… sometimes we give a lot of church answers but being real like you are and showing how vulnerable you are is the true reality of what we each endure daily but never say it out loud.
I like that you said it out loud that you are tired and struggling because this is what the nonbeliever wants to see when God shows up & shows out and gives you rest and that we too will be a testimony to work our God does because we are the daughters of the King
As we begin this study, I think of the worship song lyrics “I will look back and see that You are faithful, I look ahead, believing You are able….Jesus, Lord of All.”
I never noticed in the scripture /Joshua -that the people that he was talking to and giving instructions (as their leader) to trusted Joshua.
This jumped off the page to me… because of the people in certain position that God has placed there to give specific instructions to us “we have to trust them” that they are in fact hearing from God himself to lead & not give opinions.
I needed the reminder of God’s presence with me always and forever. My earthly father abandoned our family in 1965. My Heavenly Father called me to be His daughter in 1971. All these years later I still need the reminder of His promise never to leave me or forsake me. Thank you, Father God, for Your love! ♥️
God is always with us. He is omnipresent! Ps. 139:7 where can I flee from your presence? If you are ever feeling alone read Psalm 139. There are lots of reasons why we are not aware of His presence. The most obvious is sin. Maybe we didn’t do the last thing He told us to do. Maybe He just is letting us learn to walk in faith through something. Keep talking to Him even when it feels like You are talking to yourself. Ask Him to reveal if there is a problem.
Amen!
Yay!!
I am encouraged and prayed yesterday before starting that I will Listen in my spirit for a word directly from God himself
God keeps His promises ❤️
This is so comforting today. With all the craziness and uncertainty in the world these days, it brings me peace to remember that God is always in charge and He has already won.
When I feel myself getting completely overwhelmed and frazzled, I take a deep breath and remind myself who is really in charge.
I love the repetitive use of “be strong and courageous”.
Joshua 1:9 has been a pillar verse from me ever since I was a young girl. I have it on a large canvas and framed in my living room. I love how SRT includes cross references with their narrative story. I never caught that Joshua 1:9 has the same words as Deuteronomy 31:6- except that time it was Moses who spoke them.
When Joshua spoke to the Israelites, I wonder if they would have remembered the familiar verses and were brought back to Moses. God’s promises are the same yesterday, today and forever!
I had never noticed how many times the words “be strong and courageous” were repeated in the opening chapter of Joshua. I think this is profound for a couple of reasons:
1. Repetition is power. Sometimes, it takes hearing (or reading) something more than once for it to “sink” in. It also tells me that these words are supposed to be important to me. It’s like God is saying, “In case you missed it, here it is again!”
2. Repetition here reminds me that even men like Joshua were prone to forget. There are so many varied seasons of life that will still require the words “be strong and courageous”, even if we feel we’ve mastered our strength and courage in The Lord during our most recent challenge. Joshua entered the promised land with Israel, but those words were needed long after God fulfilled that promise.
So, so cool. I’m excited for this study!
“We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything” is one of the funniest statements in the Bible. In no reality were the children of Israel obedient in everything (and neither are we today). I just hope Joshua took that declaration for what it was – selective memory at worst and hopeful intentions at best.
In a world of uncertainty we can rest in the fact that Our God is faithful – what He commanded Joshua applies to us as well. Be courageous and strong. I loved what the author pointed out in the devotion – “when we intentionally stop and remember what God has done, we learn to see His faithfulness in the past and present, and we learn to trust Him with our futures.”
I love that God is always with us and never leaves us ..be strong and courageous this verse has been on my mind all weekend and I’m praying for all my sisters in Christ
Be strong and very courageous ❤️
Even though we have vaccines, life still feels very unpredictable. It was nice to be reminded that the Israelites were on a long unpredictable journey as well. But things are only unpredictable to us humans… then & now. The Lord is with us each step of the way and He knows what is coming!!
I can hear the questions in your voice, Darci, and we may never know God’s reasons while we are here on earth. But we can trust that he is faithful. I’ll pray for you.
On July 27, 2017 my life changed forever for my children and I. I will not get into details as most of you here have been walking this journey with me since then.
I stand on this morning’s key verse.
Joshua 1:5. “I will not leave you or abandon you.”
Wow so true!!
Joshua 1:3 says that He has given us every place our feet have tread. I know he gave me this season of life for “such a time as this” from Esther. But I am scared and confused. Joshua 1:5 says He will never leave or abandon us; but I feel very alone right now. All throughout the 1st chapter of Joshua he says be strong and have courage. He will not leave or abandon me, pray for strength and guidance in this season.
Amanda said in her devotional “their faith wasn’t perfect (thank you God because mine isn’t either), yet God’s Word and faithfulness did not falter.” This resonated with me. My faith isn’t perfect because I’m not perfect. My life is a mess. But He doesn’t falter.
Amanda also said, “every foot forward is another step on the journey that f seeing God’s promises fulfilled.” He promises to keep me and provide for me. Pray that I lean in to this promise because I feel lost and afraid on this path I was set on this past Friday. A path I thought I wouldn’t see for a while has reappeared in less than a year.
Thank you sweet Sisters of God for your prayers and uplifting.
“Be strong and courageous…” ❤️
Reading the scripture that is connected to this passage (Gen. 15:18-21, Dt. 31:6, Psalm 31:24, Mt. 28:20) it is striking to see God showing himself as a God who makes promises to his people and remains faithful through hundreds-thousands of years. Abraham to Moses to Joshua to David to Jesus himself we hear echoed, “do not be afraid my child, I am with you wherever you go”. What a good, good father!
God gave Joshua the general plan, but reminded him to be strong, not only in carrying out his orders, but also in knowing and following His Word. This reminds me to be aware of the Spirit’s moment by moment leading, and the importance of knowing Scripture.
This is something I needed to see today. Thank you.
I already feel like I’m seeing Joshua with new eyes. I always knew the importance and value of Joshua 1:9, but reading this chapter through this morning showed me that the command “be strong and courageous” comes up four times in this single chapter. And is connected almost word for word to Moses’ speech in Deuteronomy. It’s as if God knows His people are scared and perhaps not fully in it, and He is continually reminding them/“hyping them up” to be able to take the first step because He has the rest. I loved this devotional, too. Particularly the reminder of God’s faithfulness even in our weakest moments where we completely lack faith. And the fact that his “I will” and “I have” should completely comfort us. If he said it, we believe it and we can take our next steps in boldness and confidence. Praise God!
VI need to know that you are with me and experience your presence. God show me your presence and your faithfulness
Taryn I’m praying for you and your family,
Happy birthday Heather!
What a great reminder! We, too, are on the edge of stepping into an unknown future of a post-pandemic world. So fitting to enter into it with Joshua!!
Taryn, I pray you will feel the nearness of our savior as you walk through these sorrows. He was “a man of sorrows. and aquatinted with grief”. Jesus be close to Taryn today! Let her feel you-all around her
Be strong and courageous because God is with me (us) and never will forsake me (us). I needed that reminder today. I think I have allowed a lot of fear to enter my marriage and my life. Forgetting what God has done and who he is.
Isn’t it marvelous that trusting in His faithfulness which He has proven over and over and immersing ourselves in His Word is really all it takes to be bold/strong and courageous. We will face battles, but He is in the fight with us, our Refuge, Fortress and Rampart. Praying for you Sisters! Katie, indeed! And you get to be a part of what He has prepared for many to come to Christ, praying for your ministry, that the lost will find His mercy and grace in your midst. Thank you for serving in Tokyo! Praise Jesus for all He is doing in and through your lives Sisters! Your words blesses me again this morning. Our God is So Amazing!
Whatever we are facing God sees it all, He sees each step that lies ahead (be strong!), He has a plan (be courageous!), He will not leave you alone (do not be afraid!). There is more, whatever He has done, given, and already revealed to you there is always more.
Just sitting here, reflecting on God’s unfaltering promise to the Israelites to bring them to the promise land. They entered under different leadership after a journey with unexpected twists and turns. Makes me wonder how this applies to the Church coming out of COVID. What has he promised to do with the gatherings of his people that worship him and serve one another? How will he see us, the Church, through “unprecedented times?” The Lord has a plan for his people, has a plan for his post COVID church! What could it look like and how will we respond?
As always, God’s Word is right on time for me and from what I have read and each of your comments, for all of us. The enemy would love for us to be help captive by fear and uncertainty as it hampers our ability to be fully available to and used by God. It may be a struggle in this life but today’s passages remind us that the key to conquering fear is to keep in step with the one who holds us in his hand. He is faithful and He is able. Praying for you all!
Very good today. What a great reminder that God is always with us. I love this community.
This weekend I watched Facing the Giants again. What a wonderful way to see “be strong and courageous” played out in real life scenarios! If you haven’t seen it, I suggest a family movie night to open some great discussion of how God is calling us to obedience even when fear is crippling us.
I so enjoyed reading the well-known “be strong and very courageous” verses in context… I realized that what God was calling Joshua to be courageous in was “to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left” and to meditate on the Book of instruction. Strength and courage is necessary to obey God. I have a Joshua 1:9 necklace, and it means so much more now. Also, it’s my 25th birthday, and the prompts to remember the Lord’s goodness are sure not lost on me today! :)
Even if I am faithless, God will be faithful to His promises.
♥️♥️
❤️
I loved 1 Thessalonians 5:24- “he who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it.” Remember we are not alone ladies, in whatever “it” is. HE is almighty, powerful, and faithful, and only HE can accomplish it through us.
Verse 18 of Joshua 1 gives the people’s response. In my mind’s eye I pictured that scene as a team huddles before a game, getting the final words of instruction and encouragement from the coach. Their final remark played out in my mind as a team shout. “…be strong and courageous!” I hope that doesn’t offend anyone, but it helped me to hear that all-in shout this morning! I am excited about this timely study! RITA – prayers for your husband’s procedure!
I’ve heard the words “be strong and courageous” and “I will never leave you or forsake you” my entire life. I know that they are true and will never fail.
However, in this time of life I am struggling. January 28th my grandmother passed away, she had dementia and was 82. But COVID meant no funeral, no seeing my family, no closure. Yesterday, February 14th we lost my sister’s father in law to COVID, he was 68. And due to COVID, which his wife currently has, there may only be a small funeral for his wife and children.
All of this brings me back to losing my mom 13 years ago at the age of 50 to cancer. My emotions are high and my love of my Savior is strong. But I’m tired.
I am NEVER alone, I and NEVER forgotten, but when do I get to see God move like he did in days of old. When do I get to see his hand heal those I love.
I need rest, I need peace, I need more of my Jesus.
My favorite takeaways
1- “Their faith wasn’t perfect, yet God’s Word and faithfulness did not falter.”
2. “We can walk with courage and confidence into the certainty of tomorrow where God will never leave us or forsake us.”
3. Deut. 31:6- Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.
♥️
Rita, praying for your husband.
Katie Shisler- thank you for sharing your thoughts. To all of you- It’s wonderful to see perspectives from different God fearing sisters.
What stood out to me in this passage is that God commanded Joshua, but he always made it very clear that He would be with him every step of the way. He was not going to hang him out to dry. He would guide Joshua. He wasn’t telling him to be strong and courageous on his own. He was telling him with the security of God, you can be strong and courageous.
I pray everyone stays warm on this cold February day.
I want to be a child of God that can keep God’s commands. Although I know I am human, just as the Israelites were, I pray this journey reminds me how to try and pray for the ability to be faithful to my Lord and not this world.
Leaning on God’s faithfulness this morning. May I ask for prayers for my husband who goes in tomorrow morning for a heart procedure to replace his pacemaker. Many thanks. Wishing each of you a blessed day.
GOD promised with the words, I WILL, and commanded His people with “you will”:
I WILL, GIVE YOU THE LAND. “You will, distribute it and rest.”
I WILL, GIVE YOU THE VICTORY. “You will, meditate on My instruction and remember who I AM, obey and have success, obey and prosper.”
I WILL, BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO. “You will, be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged…because I AM with you.
We have similar promises today, so many more than I begin to list. So many more.
I WILL LEAD YOU THROUGH THIS WILDERNESS. I WILL PREPARE YOU, PROVIDE FOR YOU, AND KEEP YOU. “You will have all that you need. You will trust and obey in faith.”
I WILL/AM VICTORIOUS. “You will meditate on my Word, finding hope and peace and my promises. You will find your light and life in Me. You will have redemption for sin and salvation eternal into the kingdom of God.
I WILL MAKE MY DWELLING IN YOU. “You will never be alone. You will wear my armor. You are mine.”
GOD promised with the words, I WILL, and commanded His people with “you will,” AND YET…whether an I WILL or a “you will” every part of it find its source, its power, its ability to even be, in GOD. May He receive all honor and glory. Amen.
I find it interesting that packed right between God’s words of encouragement to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:7 and Joshua 1:9) are God’s words of commandment – to meditate on the law day and night, and to observe what it says (Joshua 1:8). If Joshua remembered and obeyed God’s word, he would find the strength and courage that he would need to accomplish the mission that God gave him. The same principle is true for us today. If we forget God, if we do not obey, we will be weak and afraid – but, if we remember His word – meditate on it, write it on our hearts, He will give us the strength and courage to go forward and walk in obedience to Him – whatever our mission might be. Be strong, be courageous, obey God’s word – you will have success!
What I was able to take from today is the truth that God is a promise MAKER and a promise KEEPER, no matter the authority figure/messenger/leader that he has given to us to show us the way. It does not change with the leadership.
Lord let me focus on you!
Be strong and courage is a great reminder that God wants us to keep everyday! Some days it seems harder than others but I love how many times he reminds of this in the passage. Let’s all go out and be strong and courageous today and everyday! Bless you all.
The reminder to “be bold and courageous”….it doesn’t mean that the road won’t be hard or scary at times, but when we are on the road God is leading us on, we don’t put our faith in the circumstances, but in the God who is leading and who promises never to leave or forsake us! The God who promised IS faithful!! I look too often at my circumstances and then wonder why I’m so burnt out. Fix my eyes on the road ahead and know God will equip me for every battle along the way, because the battle belongs to Him.
God’s faithfulness always exceeds our need and our ability to be faithful to him. It is not a reciprocal relationship – he is God and I am 100% dependent on him.
Praise God that His promise to never abandon us is based on His faithfulness and not my obedience or courage! But knowing that truth helps me to courageously step out in obedience to Him.
YES! I’m someone who needs several gentle reminders before I get it sometimes haha. What a blessing that he never stops reminding us! Thank you for your promises Lord!
As a leader in ministry, I have often felt under attack of the enemy. In reading the passage in Joshua, I was struck by the directive to “be strong and courageous” mentioned numerous times. It appears 3 times within v 6-9, reminding Joshua of the strength he needs as a leader (v 6), setting a healthy rhythm of living his life according to God’s law and spending time meditating on it (v 7), and the knowledge that as a leader attacks will be inevitable but he can rest in the assurance that God is with him…he does not need to fear.
I’m so blessed by all of your thoughts this morning, especially Rebecca and Katie! Rebecca, thank you for sharing how the faithfulness of God helps you get through each day despite past pain. Katie, thank you for being honest about your thoughts as you serve God in a foreign land.
What struck me this morning in this passage is all the mess that they were leaving behind to move forward. The majority of this group had lived their entire lives wondering in the desert. They knew nothing else. The ones who had walked out of Egypt would have been children at the time. And now they were going to do what God was prepared to do days after leaving Egypt, but they weren’t. Forty years of total dependence on God for food, water, safety, shelter. They had to say goodbye to Moses and follow his assistant. They must have felt uneasy and oddly unprepared. What can 40 years in the desert prepare you to do anyway? Practically speaking that is. Other than knowing how to keep sand it of their food it only taught them one thing. They can’t go a day without God. He is now going to give them provisions and land like they could only dream of and it will give them a sense of control back. He is nudging them forward in their fear knowing it is a blessing that will challenge their relationship with them, but it is the only way they can truly grow closer to them. There are so many parallels I am seeing in my life this morning. So much to meditate on! But I think I will begin with “Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage!”
I don’t usually share my meandering thoughts, thank you for reading.
He will always keep his promises …. he is so so good !
Although I’m not leading a country to cross the Jordan River, I’m leading small children through a very vary world right now. Sometimes my journey feels just as overwhelming! I’m glad to know the lord is with me and thankful for the reminder to be strong and courageous in my life.
I love the idea of “be bold and courageous”. That’s hard to do, but when know HE is there with you, supporting you … it’s a little less scary. Sometimes walking in the faith is hard so this was a great reminder that He is walking with us.
God’s timing is always perfect… I need to practice “remembering” more and it looks like this study will guide me to that direction. Thank you to the SRT team for another beautiful study.
He WILL never leave us and He HAS never forsaken us ~ what a comfort to rest in this week and the rest of this year ❤️
This is such a helpful reminder that God already knows where the story is going. When I feel lost and overwhelmed with the uncertainty of life, this is a comfort. I can be strong and courageous!
Just the study we all need… be strong and courageous!
I love that it took 450 years for the Israelites to get to the Promised land, yet we expect God to fulfill all of His promises to us in a “timely manner”! God’s timing is always best, even through pain and suffering.
The Israelites are tired, cautiously optimistic and yet uncertain of what the next steps are going to look like and in one short 18 verse chapter and God leans in 4 times (not mentioning the times He said this to Abraham) to whisper, “All you need to do is be strong & courageous and not afraid or discouraged along this journey. I’m right here! I always was and always am! If I led you astray, I wouldn’t be God.” Whew, I needed that today!!
I thought the same thing! I think it stood out to me because I needed that reminder.
It takes strength and courage to follow the Lord, especially when I’m not sure of exactly where I’m going or what I’ll be facing or how I will be successful. It’s so reassuring to know that God goes before me, preparing the way. It’s so reassuring to know that any obstacles I encounter will be dealt with by the Lord. I do not have to rely on my own intelligence, my wit, or my nerve. I just need to stay behind Him, following His footsteps, letting Him lead. I just need to remember His past faithfulness. I just need to meditate on His character and the absolute trustworthiness of His Words. His promises are sure. The Lord is with me wherever I go and He is more than enough.
One of my biggest fears is the fear of abandonment specifically from the men in my life as one day my dad just never showed up to pick me up and take me on a daddy daughter day that was planned when I was little. I have grown up with that fear in my soul. Now at 32 and married my subconscious cringes whenever my husband walks out the door for work. The message in Joshua of bravery has been my life verse for about 2 years now. But what I noticed today was the intense repetition that God is with me and He will never leave me or forsake me. The men and women on earth might but God never will. HALLELUJAH.
Lifting you up Katie, to the One who knows and sees, for His guidance to be your source, His loving arms to be your protection, His grace to be sufficient in your questioning, and that His power will be made perfect on it…
Blessings to you in Tokyo …❤
He always has and He always will…. looking forward to His promises, faithfulness good and true, and diving in with you my sisters, my friends..
Happy Monday wrapped in love and prayers for a God blessed day..❤
So excited for this study. I loved how in verse 7-8 it talks about the book of instruction and how to not turn right or left from it. I can’t help but think about the Bible and how we are mediate on it day and night! Lifting you and your mission up in prayers Katie!
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
He is ALWAYS faithful – thanks be to God.
Praying for you Katie! That the Lord strengthens you in all He has committed into your hands.
Praying for you Katie, that the incredible journey you’re on continues to show you that he will always be faithful to you, and that you see amazing success as you establish his church in the “wilderness”, preparing a place for more of his lambs to be shepherded home!
Amen! I’m so excited to read Joshua. The first chapter is so comforting, like taking freshly baked muffins out of the oven. So much joy and so much hope! I truly pray that God will work in us to share His great promises and hope!
I am a missionary in Tokyo and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scared thinking this work might be too much for us. Starting a church where there has been so much resistance for so long. But this passage helped me remember that the victory is already one. This earth IS the Lord’s. And every place on it. I do not need to fear. I can be one of his people walking forward into gathering people in to His family in the place he has already declared his own.
Joshua 1:9 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.”
So encouraging!
I’m really excited for this study! I’ve listened to Joshua once on Audible when going through the Bible, but didn’t understand much at the time. Praying for God to open my eyes and ears to what he wants to teach me.