Take Courage

After Moses had brought the Israelites to the Jordan River, ready to proceed across to the Promised Land, he died. His successor, Joshua, had a huge job ahead of him. What a load upon his shoulders. How could Joshua rally the people to follow him across the Jordan and take possession of what God had promised them?

Remember that old hymn, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye. Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the Promised Land." It must have been a daunting task to bring the people across after such a devastating blow of losing Moses, the only leader they had ever known for 40 years. What would Joshua do?

The Jordan River was no slouch. At times it had a vicious flow. I remember a video of my father-in-law being baptized in the real Jordan River. It was flowing so fast that he started to be taken down the river. Thankfully another minister grabbed his hand and pulled him back. This is the river the Israelites were to cross. This is a major reason why they had camped there and not moved forward.

God told Joshua three times "Be strong and courageous!" (And once he was told to be VERY courageous). He assured Joshua that as He had been with Moses so would He be with him. God said to lead the people to inherit the land. So, Joshua was given courage when He heard from God. We can often get ourselves all worked up with worry and doubt about the challenges before us. It is time for some encouragement from our Heavenly Father. He will give you the strength you need to proceed with what you know He is telling you to do.

Joshua made the order for his officers to "tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan..." (Joshua 1:10-11). There was no indecisiveness in this command. You will cross the Jordan. Prepare to go forward. Are you making preparations to cross over your Jordan, a boundary that has stopped you? Joshua and the people obeyed and God did His part. They defeated the enemy and took possession of the Promised Land. When you step out, after receiving the assurance of God and proclaim that you are taking possession of the promise, courage will exude from you for you know God is with you.

God will do what you cannot do. But first you must do what you can do. You must step out and put your foot into the Jordan. When they stepped into the Jordan the waters were held back for the millions of people to go across. Joshua did not know that God would do that. He just said we are going. Later, when they needed more daylight to defeat the Amorites, Joshua prayed for the Sun and moon to stop in the sky. The Bible says that God answered and it stopped for almost a full extra day. This miracle gave them the victory. Joshua learned to expect God to be with him and do whatever it took to fulfill the promise.

I am telling you today to not be dismayed. No matter what the stock market is doing. No matter what the media is saying about the situation. Be strong and courageous for God is with you as He was with Moses and Joshua. Step out with assurance and go forward to your promise. Do your part and watch God do the miraculous. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!