Be Strong and Courageous

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

When conflict arises between you and someone else, do you want to flee, or do you run head first into the flames with fists in the air?  Some of us flee.  Some of us fight.  I’m naturally the type of person that flees.  Yesterday, I didn’t have a choice.  I had to pick up the phone and feel the heat.

Before I made the call, I prayed to God for direction.  (I had been hoping He would blow the whole thing over and take it off my radar).  No such luck.  It was a big deal, and if I ignored it, I’d be weak and taken advantage of.   So I called my husband hoping I could pass the buck to him and he’d make the call for me.  Not a chance, I needed to be strong and courageous and make the call myself.

Joshua, picking up where Moses left off, was leading God’s people cross the Jordan River into the long awaited Promised Land.  God told him to “Be strong and courageous,” knowing that his armies would face battle after battle in order to get there. 

The same is true for us.  If you want to live in your “Promised Land,” the plans God has marked out for you, you too will face conflicts and battles along the way.  These challenges will test your faith, character, strength, and courage.  God says the same thing to us, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid.  I will be with you wherever you go.”  

I am happy to say I made it through the phone call yesterday.  As I kept my cool and listened, fear slipped away.  I negotiated and compromised while my courage grew.  I stood my ground and told the truth while my strength was renewed.  I am so thankful God was with me the whole time.

The next time you face a conflict, remember God’s powerful words, “Be strong and courageous.”  You are not alone, so walk confidently in the plans God has for you.  When battles come your way, let your faith be strengthened through the flames.

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