Explore Joshua 1
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
We need to be strong and courageous to follow God’s word. Without God’s word directing us, we will never accomplish his will. Verse 8 is represented by an old saying “What is in the well comes up in the bucket.” If we don’t study God’s word and put it in our heart, it can’t help us when we need the knowledge.
The first step in living the Christian life is to have courage. Now it is important to understand that being saved and being a Christian are two different things. A person can realize they need salvation and never do anything for Christ.
The disciples were first called Christian in Antioch. People saw how the disciples of Christ lived and acted, and gave them the name Christian.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
The senior pastor of my church passed away last year. He had a saying weak people will never make it as Christians. Living our lives like Christ will create controversies within our lives. For some of us, Christ will divide us from family members if we take a stand against certain lifestyles.
When Joshua took leadership over Israel, he was told “Be courageous or you will fail.”