Be Courageous
Author: Curtis and Tina Norton
May 21, 2019
Be Courageous
“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
In the book of Joshua, readers
find the nation of the Israelites in the middle of a new beginning. Their
previous leader, Moses, has passed away. They’ve finished wandering in the
desert for forty years.
It’s now time to enter the
blessed Promise Land. While the moment may have felt exciting, it also had to
feel scary, too. After all, there were most likely still giants living in the
land (Numbers 13:31). If they were going to claim the Promised Land, they would
have to fight for it.
Sometimes God calls us to
fight for our new beginnings, too. Maybe God has called you to pray for your
failing marriage, your wayward child, your failing health, or your unbelieving
relative.
Don’t be afraid in this land
of unknowns—for God is with you! He’s with you as you struggle to find a kind
word to say to your spouse, as you long for your beloved child, as your
strength fades, and your loved one seems to slip farther away. You are not
alone in this fight.
God, help me! I feel overwhelmed when I think of
(situation). I know that sometimes, You call us to fight for new beginnings. So
I’m fighting the only way I know how—with prayer. You see what’s going on here.
Give me strength and courage for the battles ahead. Remind me again that You
are near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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