Are you ready to be in the army God is raising up? An army of ladies that refuse to let Satan destroy our families, our friends, or our very own selves. He is calling us to be mighty women that go in the power of His might.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Fear and intimidation will keep us from rising and going forward. We need to remember the Lord is with us. He will keep His promises to us. What has He promised you? If the promise is in the Bible, then it is a promise to you.
Joshua was best known as the spy who stood up for God’s promises and who later succeeded Moses as the chief leader of Israel in the book of Joshua. Three times God reminded Joshua to be strong and courageous in Joshua 1. The Hebrew word for strong refers to “sound legs,” and the word courage refers to “having a secure grasp.” Joshua’s success as a leader depended on him standing strong and holding on tight.
God’s message to Joshua urges us to consider whether we will obey, where we will obey, and when will we obey. Will we firmly commit ourselves to the right things and hold tight to God’s purpose and promises?
Joshua 1:8 defines true success as faithfully following God wherever He guides. Joshua’s responsibility was to lead Israel into the promised land. God assigns each of us a unique task. Our greatest joy is when we carry them out.
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 (NKJV)
God understood the assignment He was giving Joshua was greater than Joshua’s experience or human ability. That is why He told him to be Strong and Courageous.
Courage is the ability or strength to face difficulties and fears. It took courage for Elijah to confront the prophets of Baal, Paul to go to lands that where hostel to the gospel, Peter to walk on water, Mary to become the mother of Jesus, Noah to build the ark, and Esther to stand before the King. All of these individuals faced difficult situations and overcame fear with an attribute of God called courage.
Ask God to give you courage. When we feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or fearful in life, we can draw on the courage God has given us. When we ask God to give us courage, we will feel strength, confidence, and boldness rise within us. God may ask us to do something, and fear may try to take over. Our knees may be knocking. We may feel like we can’t speak, and the “what if” thoughts are going crazy in our minds. That is when we have to go into overdrive, stand, and let God take over. This is when we walk in faith, knowing He is our strength and courage.
God has blessed us with a courageous heart. Our hearts can fully trust in the Lord because it is He who restores hope and gives us the strength to go the distance. We are bold and courageous because the Lord is with us.
God’s word reads in Philippians 4:19:
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:31 encourages us:
“If God be for us who can be against us?” (NKJV)
My question to all of us is, are we willing to do what God has called us to do? Are we willing to stand strong with our feet planted on the Word of God? What is God calling us to do? What is he speaking into our hearts? What do we have a burden for but are afraid to take the step of obedience to do? Do we dare to stand like Joshua?
Once we take the first step, we will feel the strength of our Father. We will become strong, courageous, and brave enough to stand up against all odds. We will become a member of the mighty army God is raising up. Women of God, it is time to say, “Yes, Lord, I am Strong and Courageous!”
Patti League
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#pattileagueblogs
