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Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1

When Israel was poised on the east bank of the Jordan River, ready to cross over into Canaan, God gave Joshua the often quoted words of encouragement, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). These were more than just words to encourage a young leader about to undertake his life's greatest challenge. Instead, they served as a reminder to Joshua of what he had once said to others when Israel stood on the edge of Canaan 38 years before.

It took about two years for Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, get organized at Mount Sinai, and travel to the southern border of the Promised Land at Kadesh. Moses sent Joshua, Caleb, and 10 other men into Canaan on a reconnaissance mission to spy out the land (Numbers 13). When they returned, 10 of the spies reported on walled cities populated by giants—they counseled retreat to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb counseled faith in God and His promises: "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it. . . . Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, . . . [for] the Lord is with us. Do not fear them" (Numbers 13:30; 14:9). The people listened to the 10 spies and died in the wilderness over the next 38 years. Only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to live and enter the land.

As Joshua prepared to lead the people into the land, he must have known that he would still find walled cities and giants. So God reminded Joshua of his own courageous perspective as a younger man—be strong and courageous; don't be afraid; I am with you; make my promises your daily meditation and you will be successful (Joshua 1:7-9; 2 Timothy 1:7).

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