Strong and Courageous?
I was looking into the Old Testament for some strength and guidance when I came across what God told Joshua after
Moses died. The military man was now the leader of a very rebellious people. His pillar (Moses) was now gone but his
Strength Giver was guiding him after all Joshua saw in 40 years of wandering around: along with disappointments in so
many people on that long, arduous way. As a disciple, you need all the encouragement you can get when facing dark and
foreboding days.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CSB
I once read the words of a respected spiritual leader of a denomination trying to rally people beyond the distractions of the day. What I remember most is his phrasing of God to Joshua: “Nothing to the right, nothing to the left, Jesus only!” It is my thought today that we must return to that truth instead of being focused on the evil mist now enshrouding all mankind. The disappointment can be on how this current dilemma can keep the church from its main goal: keeping our eyes upon Jesus! I also remember a king named Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament crying out in prayer to God as an enormous enemy is about to squash Israel:
“We do not know what to do, but we look to you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12c CSB
We need a call to repentance, not only for our nation, but for ourselves when we become separated from looking only at God. The great British pastor C.H. Spurgeon said this: “Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy’s foot be on your neck, expect to rise and overthrow him. Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day—aye, by the hour. Put not trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone, and lean not on the reeds of human help.” –Lessons to My Students
We can be strong and courageous in this time of struggle with fears, opinions, and anxiety. King David in the Book of Psalms will serve as my close to this:
“Wait for the Lord;
be strong and let your heart
be courageous.
Wait for the Lord.”
-Psalm 27:14 CSB
Yours for a new and better tomorrow,
Pastor Duane Vaughn
