Joshua 1:6,7 & 9 reads: Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

2 words stand out from this text clearly: Boldness/Strength and Courage. The questions that jumped at me were: Why would God asked Joshua to be strong and courageous? Why does Joshua need strength and courage in going across the Jordan to possess the land of Canaan? What is the relevance of that exhortation to me as an individual?

When you hear “be strong”, you may think God is asking Joshua to muster up some physical strength but that is not the context at all. Considering the greatness of the assignment that lies ahead of Joshua, God encouraged Joshua to draw his strength from Him. In order for Joshua to get to the promised land, he had to go through the Jordan which in the natural is impassable especially because at this point, Jordan was overflowing its bank. How would Joshua be able to lead the millions of people of Isreal to safety without losing one person? Not only is it naturally impossible, it is also risky. This is where you need help.

You may be facing a Jordan or a situation that seems too risky, impossible and overwhelming for you but I have got good news for you. God wants you to be strong like Joshua – to draw your strength through Him.