Have I Not Commanded You?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) 
-------

Almost everything that COULD have happened to intimidate Joshua had happened. He'd seen how rebellious the people were. His leader Moses had died, leaving leadership on his shoulders. The land was yet to be taken, and was filled with some pretty big, very bad folks. No doubt he was far from feeling full of strength and courage.

But look at the word God uses:

"Have I not commanded you?"

Joshua was not necessarily expected to feel strong or courageous. Nor are we. We are simply commanded by God to BE. Not to "feel", but to live based on what He tells us is true: "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Feelings of courage may or may not follow. Our insides might be shivering the whole time we're obeying. I don't know about YOU, but I prefer the appearance of victory before I feel brave or strong. But then...there's God, commanding it before we've had victory, and while the enemy is still barreling straight at us. The promise of His presence has to be enough for us to take action, whether we feel able or not, lest the battles never be fought and the land never taken.

Obedience to the Word and deliberate action based on the character of God (even when terrifying) promises prosperity and success in the things God has called us to do. It may not be what we would define as those things in a worldly sense. Christ's victory was in His own death. But it is not to earthly prosperity/success that we're called. We are to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the race, even as our very life is being poured out. Through obedience, we can enjoy Christ's strength, courage and peace, knowing that whatever comes is God's victory, and that the One who is worthy will get the glory.
--------

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." 
(1 John 5:4)

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)