Nougat 24

Hey

Yes you. Good morning

Check out the promise in today’s Holy Nougat

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NLT

Isn’t it strange that God gives Joshua the directive to ‘be strong and courageous’ THRICE in almost as few verses? It becomes compelling when we consider who Joshua was.

Joshua was not a wishy-washy young buck unaware of the realities of leadership. He was present when the children of Israel revolted against Moses each time their perceived needs were unmet by God. He was one of the sentries sent to survey the Promised Land. And when others saw obstacles, it was Joshua – and his friend Caleb – who saw God’s provision unfurling. That same Joshua had to jump to Moses’s defense and speak quickly to assure the children of Israel that they were truly about to inherit a blessed Promise, from God Who keeps God’s Word and will provide; and not be ushered into their final demise! All those required Strength of body, mind and spirit as well as Courage. He was also clearly a man of great faith.

So God’s admonition is definitely worth consideration.

No one will stand against you … be strong and courageous … for I am with you as I was with Moses (v.5)

Be strong and courageous for you are handpicked to lead the nation into their new home (v.6)

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous for God’s got you covered

It must have been some intense journey ahead. Not for the faint of heart. And one which would require Joshua holding to the promise and command inherent in God’s directive when the going got rough. Like when they lost the first battle (at Ai); having just walked their way into victory round Jericho. Or when he got tricked by the folks because they walked by sight and not faith. But Joshua didn’t know what lay ahead when God gave the ‘Pay attention and listen to Me’ repeat instruction.

Just as we often have no clue when God opens doors that would not have been opened to us normally. Or when we embark upon the unknown or the unlovely and are not entirely sure this is the path we desire. Or when we stumble into God’s provision before realizing that faith is a high intensity bungee free fall with Jesus as the safety! We may mess up on the little things even; but in the uncertainty, amid the fear – as one Gideon to Joshuas and Gideons – hold steadfast to God’s assurance and never ever let go!

No one will stand against you (and win) … be strong and courageous … for Our God’s got this.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .