When I think of being courageous Joshua comes to my mind first. Not necessarily because he HAD great courage but he was TOLD to have courage by God.
Joshua was one of the two spies that came back to Moses, then the leader of Israel, and reported that with God they could take the land of Canaan and defeat it's people (Numbers 14:6-9). The other ten spies told Moses a different story. Joshua was a warrior as well as a spy (Exodus 17:8-16). Joshua was also Moses' successor (Numbers 27:12-23). But in Joshua 1, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because HE is with him. Joshua 1:5-9 says,
"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. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
'Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.'"
Just as Joshua was told to be strong and courageous God is telling us the same thing right now. Not to be strong in our own strength but knowing God is with us we can stand firm. Whether that be as Dads and Moms. As Husbands and Wives. Or as Teens standing firm for what's right. Fighting temptation and turning to God to find your strength. We all need to remember what God says to Joshua because he's saying it to us in 2011 just the same, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous..."
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