Deuteronomy 31:23
“Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Joshua took over the post at the end of Moses’ life. Moses was one of the most revered leaders of Israel. There were enemies to be fought and a stubborn people to be led. The Lord tells him, “Be strong and courageous”. I would assume that he felt fear. The Lord’s command is meant to encourage him.
Apparently, it’s a choice to be strong and courageous. This doesn’t mean we don’t feel fear. Courage wouldn’t be required if fear weren’t present. It’s a choice to obey and move forward in spite of it. We may be trembling on the inside, but courage moves forward.
In today’s culture which has been formed by psychology, this charge seems insensitive. This seems more of something from the last generation. As if it were saying, “Get over it and move on.” Most would criticize this as not acknowledging one’s present state. However, if God says it, then we should do it. There are times for empathy and focusing on our struggles. This is not that time. I can almost hear the british say, “keep a stiff upper lip.”
There are times for focusing on our struggles and processing pain and times for action. The preparation and mending is done. It’s time to get up and move. Sometimes we feel like it; other times we don’t. The “don’t” times are when our attitudes can sour.
Faith is involved in this. As we walk with Christ, He puts us in situations that we are capable of. It may not feel like it. Yet, if He put us there, then we are ready if we feel like it or not. We walk forward trusting that He will make up any lack that we feel. This is being strong and courageous.
Joshua knew how to walk by faith. He had seen Moses do it. He had seen God’s miraculous provision in the wilderness and he had experienced it himself. It was he and Caleb who brought back the faithful report from Canaan. The situation was more than the nation had the capacity for. However, Joshua knew God would make up for any weakness. He had witnessed and experienced God deliver them from a greater power, Egypt.
Lord, thank You for orchestrating our lives. Help us to trust and be strong and courageous even when we don’t feel ready.