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"Be strong and courageous, do
not be afraid or tremble at
them, for the LORD your God is
the one who goes with
you. He will not fail you
or forsake you." Then Moses called to Joshua and said to
him in the sight of all Israel,
"Be strong and courageous,
for you shall go with this people into
the land which the Lord has sworn to
their fathers to give them,
and you shall give it
to them as an inheritance. The LORD is
the one who goes ahead of
you; He will be with you. He will not fail you
or forsake you.
Do not fear or
be dismayed."
Moses spoke these words to the Israelites before crossing
the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He also said them to Joshua who would
become God’s leader for His people. Moses had taught the Israelites over the
years who the LORD God was by pointing our His actions for the Israelites -
provision of food and water, clothing, signs and wonders, and the defeat of
their enemies. The Israelites learned to trust and follow the LORD over their
40 year history with the LORD. Now Moses tells and reminds them that the LORD
will be the one who goes across the Jordan River before them and who will defeat
the Canaanite nations so as to give them the land He promised to their
forefathers – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In our lives, we have encountered God, too. We have seen His
hand heal family and friends. The Lord brought healthy babies to us. During
droughts of income, He made food available to us. During times of despair, the
Lord sent friends and His messengers to encourage and help us. In the sunrise,
He showed us His grandeur. Through storms, the Lord showed us His power. We learned
about and came to know the Lord just as the Israelites learned about and came
to know the LORD.
This message Moses gave the Israelites then is one we can
take to heart, too. The Lord is the same today as He was during the Old Testament
times. Through Moses He said, “Be strong and courageous; do not fear.” He meant
this then and even today. We find these same words about God being our strength
and shield in Joshua 1:5 & 10:25 (against enemies), and Hebrews 13:5 (for
needs). Those words of God 3400 years ago are just as pertinent and valid
today. We can take heart, be courageous, and not fear because He will never
fail or forsake us.
Are you going through a difficult time now? Does it feel you
cannot keep going or that you might not make it through? Remember God loves
you; He is your strength. Remember He will never leave you or forsake you. You
are not alone and you do not have to rely on your own strength. Take the
strength of God. Remember Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and
heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-20 [NASB])
Call on the Lord today for your help. He will come to you.
