Be Strong and Courageous

Have you ever been weak kneed or found yourself trembling because of a daunting task or circumstance in front of you? Has worry, fear, or anxiety ever been a part of your life? Have you ever fallen into defeat when you know you should have experienced victory?

My guess is we have all been there at some point. But here is the Gospel truth:

As a Christian those things are not to be a part of my life. The Christian life is one of triumph, victory, freedom, and one without fear or worry.

I’m not talking about absolute perfection where you never make a mistake again nor where you are completely absent from sin. I am saying, however, that:

• The Christian life is not held under the power or authority of sin.
• Fear and worry have no place within our lives.
• Victory and triumph defines who we are as believers.
• Freedom from the tyranny of sin is lived daily.
• We can live the way we are suppose to live. We can live in righteousness and holiness.

But the key to victory, triumph, freedom, and a lack of fear and worry is solely found in Jesus.

You will never have freedom or victory outside of Him. You must be IN Christ and He must be in you!

Be Strong and Courageous

I recently read Joshua 1.9 and saw something I missed previously.

God is speaking to Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites after Moses died. As they prepare to enter into the Promise Land, God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

What I had missed was WHY Joshua was to be strong and courageous – because (for) the Lord was going with Him wherever He went.

If the God of the universe was with you as you faced your enemies, why on earth would you tremble (even a little)? If victory and success was guaranteed, if God who spoke all of creation into existence declared triumph, wouldn’t that square your shoulders and you would walk into every situation and circumstance (no matter how impossible or crazy) with boldness, strength, confidence, and courage?

But God was speaking to Joshua in a particular context for a particular reason. You retort.

True. But the concept still remains.

In the New Testament we no longer have a God who is merely “outside.” Through the death and resurrection of Jesus an avenue was made so that the outside God could come within (Pentecost). God no longer lives “out there” somewhere, He has come to live within and source my life. The Spirit of God is now my resource and strength. His mind is infiltrating my own, His attitude is shaping mine, His focus and love are driving me.

God isn’t just with me wherever I go. I have something far greater than Joshua ever had. I have the infilling of the Holy Spirit so God now is within my life wherever I go. He doesn’t merely give me strength for a task, He is my strength and power for daily living.

If that is true (and it is) why would I fear? Why have worry? Over and over throughout the Bible the command to not fear or worry is repeated. Jesus said why would you worry about anything when you know God takes care of the little things we don’t think about (birds and flowers) – see Matthew 6.

If the God of the universe actually lived inside of my life as a believer, why wouldn’t I – in humility – walk through life strong, bold, and courageous? Why wouldn’t I look at every situation and circumstance of my life and with a smirk declare “just watch what my God will do!” Why wouldn’t I have freedom from sin and live in victory daily?

May I encourage you today with the same words Joshua heard:

• Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (ESV)
• Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (NASB)

Question: How would the realization that God lives inside you, if you are a Christian, change your everyday living? Leave a comment in the section below.