Wednesday: Be Strong!
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 1st of October 2025
Read Joshua 1:7-9. Why did the Lord need to emphasize twice to Joshua that he had to be strong and courageous?
The task set before Joshua seemed to involve overwhelming challenges. The walls of the Canaanite cities appeared unassailable, and the population of the land was trained for battle. In contrast, the Israelites, simple nomads, did not possess even the most primitive war machines to take on the fortified walls. History tells us that not even Egypt, the superpower of those times, was able to gain a steady foothold in Canaan.
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
Yet, the summons to be strong and courageous is not related here only to battle morale or to war strategies. Courage and strength are needed to stay faithful to the Torah and its specific requirements, which defined Israel’s covenant with Yahweh.
Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Although we are not required today to participate in military combat, how can we apply the words of encouragement given to Joshua in our daily spiritual struggles?
Today, in fulfilling the mission entrusted to them by Christ, Christians face similar challenges to those of Joshua; that is, they are required to wage war against their own sinful tendencies, against the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the hosts of wickedness. Like Joshua, they also have the assuring promise of Christ’s presence: “ ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ ” (Matthew 28:20, NKJV). As the supporting presence of the Lord was enough to expel the fears of Joshua, so it should be sufficient to banish our doubts and anxieties today.
The challenge for us is to know the Lord well enough to trust in Him and His promises to us. And that is why, more than anything else, we need that personal relationship with Him.
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The crucial question for us today is not different from that faced by Joshua. How can we stay true to what the Word of God says, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so? |
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Be strong and courageous to stand the trials and temptations that is in this generation, where adultery is worse than the “golden calf” , Be strong and Courageous to be the salt and the light that this world needs and not to dim it because of popularity and power. For we have an assuring promise of Christ’s presence “I am with you always, even to the end of age Mathew 28:20
Amen Amen
Amen, to that! Scripture says that he will be with us always and in all that we do. We have to keep the faith and trust and obey. Get rid of doubt, know that he sends his word to us as a promise.
In September 2008 at the Singapore Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa was leading the race when he pulled in for a refueling stop. But as he accelerated away, the fuel hose was still attached to his car. By the time his pit crew removed it, he had lost precious time and eventually finished in 13th place. What was meant to refuel and strengthen his run ended up entangling him and robbing him of victory (F1 Archive Magazine 2008).
Our lives can be like that distracted by among other things;hobbies, career, sports, entertainment, even rest among others yet when these things begin to dominate our time and energy, they can shift from “refueling stops” into entanglements that keep us from running the race of faith with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). Joshua was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God repeatedly told him, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). His focus was not to be on distractions, but on obeying God’s Word: “Be careful to do according to all the law … do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7, ESV).
Strength and courage for Joshua came from staying rooted in God’s purposes, not letting fear, doubt, or worldly distractions pull him away. We must remain courageous in the mission entrusted to us by God in proclaiming Christ (2 Timothy 4:2), serve with the gifts He has given us (1 Peter 4:10), and bring glory to Him in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Let's not forget that Joshua was among the spies sent to conduct a "feasibility" inspection of the Promised Land; only he and Caleb gave a good report, remaining faithful to God (Numbers 14:6-10).
If this is not being "strong and of good courage," what is? So, why does God tell Joshua – thrice – to "be strong and of good courage" (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9), and even the people repeat this in Joshua 1:18? Hadn't Joshua already proved that he was strong and had lots of courage on many occasions before this?
The strength God requires of him, He reiterates in these words:
Friends, this is still required of us today. God still wants a special relationship with us today. God requires us to heed His commandments and to heed His words, in all that God commands us. Only then can we "be strong and of good courage."
Obeying God, His commands, His laws and statute is being strong and of good courage - that God wants of us. This is the strength and good courage God wants even from us, today.
For (Nehemiah 8:10).
Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong.", which makes no sense in a world that worships intellectual and physical strength. (NFL, NBA, Harvard, Yale etc).
The first order of business each day is to crucify the flesh and the affections...and only then will God give you His Spirit to go forth and reflect His grace to all we meet.
"The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought."
Almost everything popular in this world goes against the principles and oracles of God! We must be mindful to put on the Whole Armour of God to fight this battle from within and without, not speaking of the physical realm, even though satan attacks us physically in our bodies with sickness and calamities. We must be mindful that when the enemy comes to war with us through others, we must love them and stay on the battlefield of prayer to God Almighty, because HE is the only one who can fight our battle!
Hi Yolanda
Thank you for your insight.
We should never forget that God is concerned for our physical well-being.
3John 1:2 "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." NKJV
When we remember or keep in mind what God has done for us, and brought us through it will help will give us assurance and boldness to stand up even when it’s unpopular to do so.
Answering today’s question: “How can we stay true to what the Word of God says, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so?” What is the 'Word of God'? Staying ‘true' to the Word of God – what does this mean? Does it mean to always love Him above everything else?
We can say that all of Scripture is the ‘Word of God’, written down for us and its Truth revealed into our heart and mind by the Holy Spirit. ‘Staying true’, then, does this mean we believe and just follow God’s Word in our daily life? What if we have different interpretations of the 'Word' of God? Who measures 'how true' we are staying to God’s Word?
What keeps us strong and united in the fight against evil? Do not all need to wear the ‘Armor of God’ to be ”strong in the Lord and in the Power of HIS Might”. His Might is His Truth, His Righteousness, His message of Peace, and His shield of Faith given to all who believe and accept the helmet of Salvation and take up the ‘Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God’, praying always in the Spirit and being watchful . . . - Eph.6:10 -18.
John 1:1-3 says: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made."; and verse 14 says "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
These verses are crystal clear that Jesus is the Word.
By the way, how is one full of grace?
Edmund – to answer your question: “How is one full of grace?” I want to start out using the words of John 1:14 - ”The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His Glory, the Glory of the One and only Son, who came from the Father, full of Grace and Truth.”
I do not consider the individual believer being equal with the Son "who came from the Father full of Grace and Truth.” God’s Grace and Truth is present in us when we are found hid in Jesus Christ, His Son, in the presence of the ‘Spirit of God’. Being ‘full of Grace’ was reserved for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Decide today that we will 'obey God rather than men', and daily ask for strength to do so. Invite the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts, words and actions, trusting that He will.
The Word of God is the answer to living courageously and faithfully. We must internalize it, committing verses which speak to our need to memory. Then when we are faced with fear or temptation we will be equipped and empowered to be victorious.
2 Tim. 1:7 is one such verse which I have used many times to extinguish anxiety.
When I feel overwhelmed and think I can't complete something, I find myself reciting Philippians 4:13. Before I know it, an idea will come into my mind and I'll be encouraged and empowered to press on to finish the task. We have been given many precious promises in God’s Word, not as trite sayings, but as empowering and enabling principles for everyday life. The power is in God’s Words which then empower us. Take God at His Word and see what He can empower and enable you to do.
This is what it means to me to "...live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Ephesians 6 is not only a call to battle but also to encouragement. Amidst so many negative voices, Christ calls us to be strong! He is able to overcome the most impressive powers of Earth and make every soul bow down to Him.
Yes, as the forces of darkness increase in these last days we must be hidden in Christ.
Powerful lesson.
What helped Joshua to trust in the Lord and obey His word? We see this in Joshua 1:11, when he commanded the officers of the people, saying:
“Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”
This shows Joshua’s faith in the Lord. He gained this trust through building a relationship with the Lord. That’s what we also need today—a true relationship with the Lord. We cannot trust someone we don’t know or have no relationship with.
This is a call for us to build a deeper walk with God. Create time each day to talk with Him. A relationship must be nurtured, just like a garden. If we neglect it, weeds will take over.
Children of God, let’s seek a strong and living relationship with Christ our Lord.
Amen, Edmund.
As William posted a corresponding thought at the introduction of the lesson, so am I reminded of the Scriptural verse, "Seest thou a man diligent in business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Prov 22:29 KJV
First, the thoughts suggest to me that humility and diligence in doing God's will can co-exist. Secondly, that we are able to stand in boldness and in confidence before any earthly authority, after being surrendered to Our Creator and King, is reassuring. Praise God for the steadfast and eternal hope that is in Him!
We must have the mindset of a soldier prepared for battle. But unlike a physical war, this battle is spiritual—fought within our minds, against our flesh, and the very nature of our souls.
It requires us to surrender to God daily, aligning our lives with Jesus and walking in His example. In doing so, we secure the victory of our souls.
Like Jesus in Gethsemane, even when hope seems lost, we must trust fully in our Father—seeking Him constantly and submitting to His will, no matter the cost. 🙏🏾🙌🏾