SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY OF COURAGE

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9

In this world of intimidation, threats, and terror, we need SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY of COURAGE: “Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psa.23:4a). Joshua for example, required courage to step into the shoes of Moses. Three times in the record of Joshua 1, the Lord commanded Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage” (v.6a); “only be strong and very courageous” (v.7a); and also in verse 9. Yes, this courage was not inherent in Joshua’s humanity, but in his connection with the Lord Himself: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Dt.31:6).

Being courageous is to have audacity and be able to take the initiative. It doesn't matter how ferocious the enemy is; in God, we are invincible. Courage is also sometimes described as bravery, boldness or valour. Courage faces extreme dangers and difficulties without fear. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness. Valour implies heroic courage. There appears to be an epidemic of weakness sweeping into the church, leaving many believers fearful of leading, making decisions or becoming committed. Nothing in life or in ministry ever happens apart from courage. Many people leave the ministry because of lack of courage. God came to Joshua personally to give him a fourfold exposition on courage:

Courage rests upon a clear assignment from God (vv.1-4). There is no such thing as courage apart from mission, just as there is no such thing as faith apart from challenge. You're not just courageous to be courageous, but for something.  Moses, a man of God had died; but nothing of God died. He gave Joshua the assignment, reiterating to Joshua what He had told Moses to do. God isn't needy of worthy men. He makes men worthy. He isn't fearful of His cause failing. He demands that we step out in bold obedience. Your courage will rise when you have confidence in your call.

Courage rests upon the assurance of God's presence (vv 5, 9). God never calls us to do anything apart from Him. Every assignment He gives is also His primary means of sanctifying us. That’s the secret to avoiding burn-out! The very thing that God is using to draw us to Himself is His calling upon us. His calling is a statement of His presence. God's assignments come with a special sense of His presence, also known as unction or anointing; and His presence is real. If God has called you, He is with you. Courage doesn't mean that you are never afraid. It means that you fear God more than you fear your environment or any adversary. It means that you trust in divine resources more than the resources of man. Philips Brooks says: “Don't ask for tasks equal to your powers. Ask for powers equal to your tasks.”

Courage rests upon focused determination (v 6, 7, 9). It is intentional when God repeats Himself. Leadership is strengthened by obedience. It's a verb, not a position. If you're running because of opposition, you'll be running for the rest of your life. If you act courageously, you'll get more courage. God is with you, but He'll only strengthen you when you raise your leg and put it forward. He can't steer a parked car. The wind will only blow when you put up the sail.

Courage is anchored by the Word of God (v 7-8). Success or failure in a mission is tied to your relationship to truth. There are three primary instructions here: proclaim the Word; meditate on the Word; and do all that the Word commands. Immerse yourself in the Book. Love it and live it. Integrity demands that you practice the truth you're proclaiming. You have to be the destination where you want other people to arrive. Through courage, you shall possess your territories in destiny!