“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 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 1:6, 8-9 (NLT)
Here the Father is encouraging Joshua to be of good courage and stand strong against what seems to be insurmountable odds. He was faced with the land of Giants. His assignment was to lead the nation of Israel. That’s pressure, wouldn’t you say? But Joshua did not cave into his fears and anxiety about the size of his enemy. Instead, he moved forward in confidence, staying true to the course that God had set before him. How are you doing with the giants you face? Be encouraged by His word, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Stay on the course that the Lord has designed for you and He will never fail you.
I love what Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”