"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
The book of Joshua recounts the steps Joshua took to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land. Though the land was promised to them and they walked over the Jordan River, once they arrived, they needed to take out the giants of the land.
Naturally, I imagine Joshua to have needed a little encouragement to fight battle after battle in the taking of this land. And God encouraged him over and over to "be strong and courageous" reminding Joshua that God would be with him wherever he went.
Often times, I find myself needing this same encouragement. I too have gone into the Promised Land, expecting all the milk and honey only to find giants waiting for me. I have taken out giant by giant but not without taking a few mighty hits myself. I have found myself victorious yet beat down, not wanting to fight any longer. In these moments, I hear the Lord speaking:
Get up and Fight. You're not finished yet.
