BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

“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)

The Lord’s charge to Joshua was to be strong and courageous. The task ahead of him looked daunting and impossible, but God was telling him to “be strong and courageous”. These are two critical ingredients every leader needs to succeed. You will need them to obey God’s instruction. You will need them to confront the people and contend with the enemy. This is why every believer must develop these virtues in his/her life.

You need strength to carry out your assignment and engage the enemy. Not just physical strength, but spiritual, emotional, psychological and mental strength. You must be balanced and developed all round. If you are lopsided you will succeed in some areas and fail in others. Take care of your body, eat well, exercise and be healthy. You cannot be on earth if you do not have a body. Strengthen your spirit man in the place of prayer and worship, and exercise yourself in godliness. Study books to develop and engage your mental capacity. Understand people to have psychological balance and be in control of your emotions at all times. Be proactive and not reactive. Even Jesus grew and developed himself in these areas (Luke 2:52).

Your also need to be courageous. When the enemy throws you a challenge, you need courage to face him. When things are not going according to plan, you need courage to persevere. When your own people turn against you, you need courage to stand your ground. When it gets lonely and burdensome as the leader you need courage to press on. This life requires that we all be strong and courageous to overcome the challenges it presents. Lean on God and he will be your source of strength and courage.

PRAYER:

Lord, be my source of strength and courage as I journey through life in Jesus name, Amen. 

FAITH BYTE:

I grow in strength and wisdom, and favour with God and man.