UNSHAKABLE COURAGE
To best understand the challenge of this verse, read Joshua 1:2-9. Joshua was about to face a momentous, risky, humanly impossible task. Against the dark backdrop of fear (and giants), God knew that Joshua needed courage. So Joshua was given the greatest promise He could have heard- “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). God’s constant, limitless presence was an amazing sign of assurance to Joshua.
But that was not enough. God saw that Joshua still had a choice- to move forward in fear or in “unshakable courage” (v.6, 7, 9), and three times—three times!— God “commanded” (v. 9) him to grab hold of the latter. God knew the lure of fear, and that Joshua would have to choose courage and faith time and time again.
Maybe being with your family in the holidays is not comparable to dominating a land of giants (or maybe it is). Canaanites or not- the holidays can bring each of us face to face with relationship tensions, old wounds, and fears that paralyze us, weaken our courage, and cause us to walk as if we’re all alone.
Joshua’s promise is yours today- God will be with you wherever you go. Moreover, Joshua’s choice is the same one you face. Will you stay immobilized in fear or move forward with God’s presence in unshakable courage?