Be Strong and Courageous

The first thing that strikes me about this verse is how it begins: "Have not I commanded thee?" As if God knew Joshua would need reassurance. And we need it too, sometimes.

When fear comes — and it comes for everyone — the question isn't "will I be able to do this?" The question is: "Who is going with me?"

God doesn't say "you'll make it because you're strong enough." He says "be strong, because I am with you." The courage He asks for is the courage that comes from His presence, not from our own inner supply of bravery.

Wherever you walk today — at work, at home, in the hard conversation, in the decision that needs to be made — He is there. Not a few steps ahead, not waiting at the end of the road. With you. Now. In the middle of it.

You can go. He's already there, in the place you haven't reached yet.