After reading the book of Joshua many times, I’m convinced that, as God began to give Joshua his instructions (Chapter 1), Joshua was deeply shaken by the magnitude of the task that lay before him.

Yet God didn’t speak to Joshua about the impossibilities. He simply kept repeating to him, “Be strong and of good courage!”

God didn’t tell Joshua to do a great many things. He didn’t say, “Go figure out how to get across the river.”

He didn’t say, “Check your military might and see if you have firepower to conquer this land.”

He said, “Only….” (Did you see that? Only!) “Only be thou strong and very courageous!” In other words, “Joshua, your part in this assignment is to be strong and of a good courage. I’ll take care of everything else. I’ll win the battles. I’ll keep the people in line. I’ll show you how to divide the land. You just be courageous!”

“Well, Brother Copeland, He’s never said that to me!”

Yes, He has. In fact, He had it written for you in the New Testament.

“He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Therefore, “my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

For whatever impossible challenge that may be lying before you, God has already given you your instructions. “Be strong and very courageous.” If you’ll do that, He’ll take care of the rest.

Speak the Word

I am strong and of good courage. (Joshua 1:6)