Be Strong and Courageous: Trusting God Through Every Battle (Joshua 1:9)
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Joshua 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.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Sure, no problem, right? But it’s not always that simple when death feels like it has ahold of your ankle.
The truth is, this command from Joshua 1:9 is meant to cover and encourage us through all of life’s troubles. But life’s troubles are vastly different from each other. Some battles are easier to face than others. I can be brave in challenges like trusting God with our finances or believing that He will provide for my family.
But then there are times when my kids are outside my protection at a church event, a scouting event, or something similar. I naturally want to be there to make sure they are safe. In that moment, the Lord reminds me that He is their protector, and I have nothing to fear. That challenges me, and in my decision to rest in His promises and let go, my faith grows.
On the more serious side of life, there are health issues and personal struggles that can cause us to be deeply discouraged or afraid. Having heart issues is a sobering reminder that you only get one of those—and if it stops working, the result is usually not good. The same goes for countless other physical challenges.
And yet, in those moments of fear, God is still whispering from Joshua 1:9: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. I am with you.
He is with you as you roll into the ER. He is with you as you hear the results of a difficult diagnosis. He is with you on the road of uncertainty.
He never left.
So face this with courage. Face it, knowing your God will be right at your side through it all. Your faith will grow as you see that trusting God with your health, your kids, and your future is the best thing you can do.
Pray and take time to listen. Pray throughout the day. When something comes to mind, pray over it right then. Prayer strengthens courage because it keeps us connected to the One who never leaves.
No matter what lies before you, our God is mighty to save. Believe! Be strong! Be courageous! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Amen.
Isaiah 41:10–12
[10] Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.[11] “See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing.[12] You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing.
