The Source of Serious Strength

Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” 

God speaks to Joshua as he assumes leadership of God’s people. The commission comes with real trials ahead, but God’s command is paired with a promise. Act boldly because God’s presence accompanies you. This steadied Joshua and offers the same grounding courage to believers today. 

God commanded Israel to move forward into the promised land, but do not miss the fact that He also commanded Joshua to be strong and of good courage. The source of serious strength is confidence in God’s sovereignty. We are not talking about selfreliant bravado. These commandments urge consistent faithfulness when fear ramps up the temptations. The source of serious strength provides the courage to obey God’s commands, to perform God-given duties with joy, empowered by both His presence and His promise. Courage must be matched by humility; the strongest Christian is one who depends on God’s presence. We must develop a discipline of trust by daily dependence and visible steps of obedience. 

Courage flows from conviction and produces measured, obedient action, whether confronting sin, stepping into service, or witnessing for Christ. Identify one task you’ve avoided that requires obedience: a hard conversation, a witness, a decision at work, a step of service. Pray with confidence, trusting the truth of Joshua 1:9, and take one measurable step this week: send a message, set a meeting, or enter the room. Courage does not erase fear but acts in spite of it, trusting God’s presence. 

Are you avoiding what God calls you to do? Take specific steps forward this week by relying on the source of serious strength. God’s presence, the Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers every believer according to the Book He has inspired. Remember this, God’s past faithfulness is a springboard for your present and future obedience, and God’s faithfulness supplies your courage and steadiness to be faithful.  

Lord, fill us with courage rooted in Your presence. Help us to act in faith, not retreat in fear. In the name of Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen! 

Today’s devotion has been written by Bro. Joshua Soliz, a member of Rodgers Baptist Church who is a LIFE Group teacher and regular preacher here.