This post first appeared at Inscribe Writers Online
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn it from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Joshua 1:7
The Lord not only told Joshua to be courageous, but very courageous. I wonder if the Lord added the emphasis of an adverb before the adjective “courageous” because of Joshua’s extreme circumstances? His new job was to lead two million people into a new land and conquer it. Even though Joshua had grown to be a strong leader from assisting Moses for many years, I can imagine he may have felt extremely challenged for this upcoming new adventure!
But Joshua did not hesitate, did not measure the pros and cons, or run to his friends for advise. Instead, he ordered and directed the people to ready themselves for their journey to cross the Jordan, to the land the Lord was giving to them. While directing their next steps, Joshua reminded the people of Moses commands and the Lord’s promises, and the people obeyed their leader knowing they were also being faithful to God’s plan. And they too, encouraged Joshua to “be strong and courageous!” (v.18)
When facing new challenges, I can be very hesitant to take the next step. I want to be very sure so the outcome will be successful, on my terms. I can measure my success by my circle of influence expanding, or my finances increasing, or by the amount of ‘likes’ I’m receiving. Yet, unlike the worldly definition of success, success in God’s eyes is for us to be strong and very courageous through obeying and following His word. It’s being faithful to His plan for our lives. He directs us when we turn toward Him. And then we can rest in His promise that we will be successful wherever we go.
Lord, thank You for always being with me and directing my way. Even though my situations can get tough, and challenging, I know you are with me. May I always keep my eyes on You, may I always turn to You, for when I do life with You, I will be successful in Your eyes wherever I go. Amen
And may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Where might God be saying to you ‘be very courageous and strong?‘
I believe God is calling me to be very courageous and strong in my writing. I need to keep sharing stories that glorify Him. 🙂 From stories for children to stories for grownups, I want to show His love and glory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see you are doing just that Melissa! You are showing His love and glory through those beautiful book of yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eye-opening! Lots to think about.
It is good to know God is with us. He leads us if we would only follow,
I have a couple family connections He is healing. One step at a time, one thing and then another. I can’t see ahead of me, but I can hear His voice. Send her a card. Give her a call. Say happy birthday. And the biggie… Invite her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so wonderful to read, Sandi, that God is healing family connections. Yes, one step at a time, and in His timing. We do need to do our part and be very courageous which can be very, very courageous when it comes to family!
LikeLike
What a timely post, Lynn. This week, God has given me an opportunity to take on a new writing project that will force me to be strong and courageous…but I’m ready!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A new writing project? How exciting, Jill! And God knows you are ready, I’d say! All is in His perfect timing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lynn. I believe God is stressing more lately that I need to be courageous when it comes to being more authentic. To more intentionally let go of expectations of others or from myself and of the need for approval from people. To listen more to God’s nudges and whispers instead of being cowered by what people say or think of me and my own God-given intuitions. Thank you for the encouragement! Love and blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Letting go of others expectations and opinions can be tough as God built us to be relational! I pray God brings you others with encouraging words to help you follow those nudges and whispers from Him. You are such a blessing and He so wants you to shine even brighter for Him, lighting up others with His love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgot to compliment you on your photos, Lynn. 🙂 As always, they are beautiful. Those icicles hanging down are especially breath-taking. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Trudy! Your encouragement helps me to keep putting that camera in my hands!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not just a little, but VERY. It’s about being all in! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Such true words, Lynda–be all in! Not just luke warm, but hot!
LikeLike
Great word of encouragement Lynn! I believe I need to be strong and very courageous in my writing and the next level He has for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Lynn, I think God wants me to be strong and courageous for one of my good friends who was just diagnosed with cancer. I pray God will guide me as to how I can love and help him and his wife during this scary time. Ker
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynn, courage can be so hard sometimes. I so appreciate the way you highlighted God’s words to Joshua. And what you said here: “success in God’s eyes is for us to be strong and very courageous through obeying and following His word.” This is pivotal. We tend to define success by lesser things. God defines it by how well we choose to trust and obey (to put it very simplistically). We honor Him when we obey and trust, don’t we?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jeanne, Yes, honour Him we do with our obedience and trust!
LikeLike
Always enjoy your reading,The word of the year for me is courageous and it has meaning behind it.
Goes right along with confess and repent.To be courageous or have faith in what the Lord has done for the heavy price he paid for all whom believe in him .
For as Jesus said to Our father take this cup from me yet not my will ,yet your will be done
I will praise your Holy name Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe God is giving me courage to write a book. For 10 years I have been saying, “I am going to write a book.” It’s taken me that long to get the courage to say, “I am writing a book.” It seem over whelming to me most of the time and I am only got 2 chapters in rough draft. Before I put it out there God used many people to encourage me to do this but again, fear took over and I would start a line or two or maybe even a paragraph but never a chapter. Just saying the words, I am writing a book, gives me courage. Great post. Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fear can grip us in it’s grasp, yet God promises we can overcome! I’m glad to read how God has brought encouragers into your life to continue your writing journey. It is very courageous, to write for many reasons! I look forward to reading your God-inspired words!
LikeLike
What gorgeous creations God has made for us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure he’s telling me to continue being strong with what I am doing as a publisher – and to step out and do even more. (And I actually did today – go me!)
I love that last photo. Water in photos fascinates me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was looking at your publishing coaching the other day! Yes, go you! 🙂 The last photo is Johnston Canyon in Jasper Alberta. Is some places the ice is enough for ice climbing.
LikeLike
Lynn, good morning! I’m a bit late to the party, but I’m excited to see you talk about the first chapter of Joshua. What’s hit me often is how God repeatedly, over and over, tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Not just once.
Sometimes fear makes us slow learners. And He is compassionate to continue to remind us of all of who He is!
LikeLiked by 1 person