Learning to be Strong and Courageous

In review of Joshua 1:8 it says, “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.”

Bottom Line:

Success will come from always studying and meditating on His Word. This will help you obey what is written in it.

What this means to me:

God has given me His book of instructions, the Bible. I am to meditate on it day and night so that I can remind myself to obey everything written in it. This will help me prosper and succeed in all that I do.

Today’s passage comes from the first chapter in the book of Joshua. After wandering for 40 years in the wilderness, a new generation is ready to enter Canaan. But first God prepares both Joshua and the nation by teaching them the importance of courageous and consistent faith. The nation then miraculously crosses the Jordan River to begin the long awaited conquest of the Promised Land. Like Joshua, I, too, need faith to begin and continue living the Christian life.

This is also a timely reminder for me as I prepare to take on a new role in my career. I am to be strong and courageous, for am the one who will lead a new team toward the company's mission. Therefore I am to be strong and very courageous. Their is also a reminder for me to be careful to obey all the instructions given to me from His Word. I should never deviate from it, turning to the left or the right. Then I'll be successful in everything I do. Study His Word continually. Meditate on it day and night so I can be sure to obey what is written it. For then I will prosper and succeed in what I do. The Lord's command to me is to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.

I'm reminded of this success in comments from my team after I announced my decision to leave my current role for a new one. People remember me for my leadership, direction, investment and integrity. As I move forward, I must remain on the path of integrity and have a heart for leading people well.

Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he will be we me as I face new challenges. I may not conquer nations, but every day I will face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. God promises, however, that he will never abandon me or fail to help. By asking God to direct me I can conquer many of life's challenges.

For Joshua to succeed, he needed to (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God's law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of Instruction; God's Word. To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. I may not succeed by the world's standards, but I will be a success in God's eyes; and his opinion is most important.

After all, success is not money, power, or obtaining a goal. Success is not a destination; it’s a journey. Achieving a goal doesn’t guarantee contentment. I just need to continue to make it a goal to seek God’s will for my life. In His presence my soul will be satisfied. Walking hand-in-hand with the Savior, even during time of unspeakable sorrow, is my only guarantee of knowing true joy.

Meditate on His Word, and God will direct me down the paths of righteousness. I don’t believe I will ever regret a single day spent in His presence.