I was listening to a sermon yesterday, and the preacher had a sidelong reference to the coffeecup messages we pull from the bible, in the case it was in reference to Joshua 1:9 which reads:
“… be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go…”
But go and read that chapter… it is beautiful! Unlike God that said to Abraham, “Go, to a place I will show you…”, Here God is very specific in Joshua’s mission:
Verse 3:
”…I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses…”
Verse 4:
”… Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west…”
The God Declares to Joshua
“I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU”
Now, I don’t know about you, but at this point in time, I will be pretty confident. God is speaking to me directly, Telling me where to go, what to do and confirming that I will be successful.
one Caveat… Keep the Law
“…Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go…” and “…Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful…”
But if you read the whole chapter you start to see a trend… (which doesn’t always show up on the coffeecup, or side of the bible highlighter )
God promises all this to Joshua, son of Nun, and then …
“… Be strong and courageous,…”
(verse 6)
“… Be strong and very courageous…”
(verse 7)
“…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged….”
(verse 9)
Every little kid learnt in Sunday school that “Then God Gave the Israelites the Promised Land” but Joshua’s Calling took him into 7 years of Conquest, 7 years of settlement. He led 13 major battles, clearing out 31 fortified city states, defeating their 31 kings.
When God calls you, expect opposition. Expect MAJOR opposition! Because the devil does not give up territory, or people, easily.
Fight! fight for the business… do not be discouraged!
Fight! fight for your wife… be courageous!
Fight! fight for your kids… Have I not commanded you? Be Strong!
Fight! fight for your family, each person… Have I not commanded you? lead these people!
Fight! Fight for your calling! The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!
