There are times and events in
life we’d like to fast forward over...
- the devastating cancer diagnosis,
- the hard conversation at work, or with a spouse,
- the breakdown of a marriage,
- the loss of a loved one
The thought of any of these
is enough to tie your stomach in a series of knots so tight you'd be awarded your Boy Scout Knot Merit Badge.
As I write this I’m faced
with the unenviable task of a tough conversation at work. It’s a black cloud on the horizon of
tomorrow.
But throughout this week, I’ve
been reading the book of Joshua and one overarching theme has come through.
I’ve lost count of the number
of times the following words appear in some format…
BE STRONG AND
COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID. GOD WILL BE WITH YOU AND WILL NEVER FORSAKE
YOU.
The first instance of the
words, “be strong and courageous” appears in Joshua 1:6, it repeats in verse 7,
and again in verse 9 and verse 18.
The Israelites are faced with
many challenges as they move into the Promised Land. It would be easy to let fear over take them,
and yet over, and over again Joshua reminds the nation…
“Don’t ever be afraid or
discouraged…be strong and courageous…”
This is a good reminder for
all of us. God is with us and will see
us through the dreaded black clouds of life.
Pray for His divine strength and courage today.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Where do you need to be
strong and courageous in your life?
Share your thoughts by
clicking on “comments” below.
