When You Have to Be Strong and Courageous

I am incredibly blessed to live in my literal Promised Land. I prayed and waited six years for the vision God whispered to my heart to materialize in what is now our small farm. It’s been quite the Jesus led adventure so far.

In other areas of my life, I am approaching the Jordan River, asking the Lord to go before me and part the waters for my figurative and spiritual Promised Land.

I’m realizing it may take me years to unpack what it means to live on the other side of the Jordan. The balance is tricky of dwelling in God’s presence and using the sword of the Spirit. Maybe that’s why I’m kind of obsessed with studying Joshua and the millions who crossed over into the promises of God.

If you feel like you are beginning to enter into what God has promised you, either figuratively or literally, or you’re starting to really believe God keeps His promises, I want to share a secret with you.

The future God has for you in your Promised Land is beautiful, full of bountiful blessings and life lived with God’s very presence, but it’s not easy.

So, lean in close and listen to God.
Completely rely on God and not your logic.
Open yourself up to what only God can do even if you can’t.
Raise the sword of the Spirit.
Believe in miracles.
Listen to the God’s truth and not your feelings.
Keep moving forward and don’t go back.

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.
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

In the Promised Land, you’ll have reason to be strong and courageous. (Any time God tells us to “be” something three times before we need it, you’ll have a reason to be it.)

So many of us want to turn back to the desert when we have to use our God-given strength and courage. We think something is wrong with us, with the situation, or with God’s plans when there’s a battle to be won.

But if the literal Promised Land of the Old Testament teaches us anything, it’s this: Joshua’s real battle, just like ours, was to believe God would make him strong and courageous, and that He would accomplish what He had already established in the Spirit. Joshua knew possessing the promise wasn’t really about the land but about trusting the God who was giving it, and he knew the process was worth following God — for himself, his friends, and future generations.

Each time Joshua faced another opportunity to use the strength and courage God gave him, it was not only about seeing evil defeated but also about watching God work in a personal way to bring Joshua and those who followed him into a deeper relationship with their Savior. Isn’t it the same with us?

In every battle we face, visible or not, God is giving us the opportunity to rely solely on Him and watch the Miracle Worker in action.

Joshua was hailed as a fearless warrior and courageous leader, but being an excellent listener of God’s truth and uncompromisingly obedient was what truly made him successful. God was the ultimate leader and warrior for His people. He determined the outcome before the battle began. He gave instructions on how and when to fight. Joshua picked up his sword and did as he was told, but God received the glory from each victory.

“Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.”
Joshua 10:8 (NLT)

Instead of focusing on each battle, Joshua focused on God because God gave the victory to them before they even fought. God protected and provided. God’s name became mighty and invincible. The enemy was already defeated before God’s people showed up.

God is giving you your Promised Land. He has already given you victory in Jesus, just like Joshua. Trust Him to give you the courage and strength you need to live as more than a conquerer in Christ and possess the land. Remember the focus is not about your blessings or the battles or even the victories but about dwelling with God in all of His glory in the very spot promised for you.