Courage

Courage. It was what the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz longed for. Although he pretended to be fierce, in reality, he was nothing more than a coward. All roar and no bite. Like one of those little tiny dogs that barks and barks and barks and as soon as you take one step towards them they run off with their tails between their legs.

When it came right down to it, the Lion had all the courage he needed all along, he just didn’t know it. When push came to shove, he stepped to the forefront with the courage that was always there.

That word “courage” always reminds me of the book of Joshua in the Bible. It was a time of transition for the nation of Israel. They were getting a new leader as the torch was being passed from Moses to Joshua. They were getting a new land, the Promised Land, as their forty years of wandering was coming to an end. It was a scary time for them individually and as a nation.

I couldn’t imagine the fear that Joshua must have had in his heart as he takes over for one of the most beloved leaders in Israel’s history. Everyone he knew and loved, besides Caleb, had died over the past forty years because of their disbelief and rebellion. Joshua is now taking over with the knowledge that across the Jordan River awaited multiple battles with strong enemies to claim the land God has promised them. He needed courage.

God encourages him with these words: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:5-7.

And, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9.

God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but has instead instructed us to have courage, not in our own strength, but in who He is. He will never leave us and He will never forsake us. He loves us way too much. Whatever you may be going through, go through it with courage that God is with you. He knows the battles that are ahead and He is going into them with you.

Have a great day and God bless.