The children of Israel were about to enter and possess the “Promised Land.” However, in order to do this, it would require blood, sweat, and tears. Consequently, no less than four times in Joshua chapter one, God encouraged and commanded them to be “strong and courageous and do not be afraid” (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18).
Other examples of courageous faith can be seen lived out by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Daniel 3), Daniel (Daniel 6), John the baptist (Matthew 14), the blind man Jesus healed (John 9), and Stephen (Acts 7).
But now, here’s a question. How do we live out a “courageous faith” in a permissive, all-inclusive culture? We face no fiery furnaces, no lion’s dens, and no gladiatorial games? We’re not stoned to death, run out of town, nor is our property confiscated. In fact, about the worst reaction we can muster from our culture is to be dismissed as unenlightened and ridiculed.
But in spite of that, there it is. God still wants us to be “strong and courageous.” So just how do you plan on fulfilling that expectation?
This was my Devo last Wednesday night. I talked about how the children of Israel could be courageous because of the Lord and His promises, if they followed God’s word. Joshua 1:6-10 and how the people of Jericho lost their courage once they heard what God could do (Joshua 2:11). I tied that in with the idea of today how we are the ones who are able to be courageous the world should not. Good article!