40 Days of Encouragement
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 3 | BE COURAGEOUS
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 3 | BE COURAGEOUS
BE COURAGEOUS
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’” (NIV)
Imagine that YOU have been picked to take over for Moses. No problem, right? I mean, he’s Moses, met with God, received the ten commandments, and told the Pharaoh that God said for him to let His people go! No biggy, right? You’ll just take over and lead several million Jews into the Promised Land.
Wow!
If it were any ordinary person taking over, the answer would be NO, THANK YOU! But Moses and Joshua knew this was God’s plan and choice and both men respected God enough to try to do it His way.
But then Moses recognized that Joshua needed some encouragement… that leading these unruly people required confidence and COURAGE. Like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz, Joshua needs a hefty dose of COURAGE.
And the most encouraging thing that Moses could say to Joshua? “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Wow, what a fantastic promise!
Joshua WAS encouraged and strengthened by this promise of God to him through Moses.
How would you feel if you were in Joshua’s shoes? Would you receive that promise and let it strengthen your faith? Or would you reject it and continue in fear, doubt, and worry?
Joshua received the promise and was thus able to do amazing things for the glory of the Lord.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His encouragement and presence are available to you today too. Receive it.
Prayer: LORD, I need You. Thank You for promising not to leave me or forsake me. With Your help, I will be strong and courageous. Amen.
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’” (NIV)
Imagine that YOU have been picked to take over for Moses. No problem, right? I mean, he’s Moses, met with God, received the ten commandments, and told the Pharaoh that God said for him to let His people go! No biggy, right? You’ll just take over and lead several million Jews into the Promised Land.
Wow!
If it were any ordinary person taking over, the answer would be NO, THANK YOU! But Moses and Joshua knew this was God’s plan and choice and both men respected God enough to try to do it His way.
But then Moses recognized that Joshua needed some encouragement… that leading these unruly people required confidence and COURAGE. Like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz, Joshua needs a hefty dose of COURAGE.
And the most encouraging thing that Moses could say to Joshua? “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Wow, what a fantastic promise!
Joshua WAS encouraged and strengthened by this promise of God to him through Moses.
How would you feel if you were in Joshua’s shoes? Would you receive that promise and let it strengthen your faith? Or would you reject it and continue in fear, doubt, and worry?
Joshua received the promise and was thus able to do amazing things for the glory of the Lord.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His encouragement and presence are available to you today too. Receive it.
Prayer: LORD, I need You. Thank You for promising not to leave me or forsake me. With Your help, I will be strong and courageous. Amen.