Someone once told me that if you meet someone for the first time and you want to know their name you should say their name at least 3 times during your first conversation. The process of repeating the name helps to embed it in your memory so that when you next meet them it’s on the tip of your tongue. I’m not sure I’ve entirely mastered the concept but I see the merit in it and I’m sure it’s helped me when I remember to do it.
As you read through this first chapter of Joshua you will notice that on 3 occasions God says to “Be strong and courageous” (Vs. 6, 7, 9). Joshua was taking a huge step up into a leadership role that was beyond anything he had undertaken before. He had the very highly esteemed Moses to follow and nobody would criticise him for feeling at least a little bit nervous. So God tells him 3 times not to worry but instead to “Be strong and courageous”.
New things are scary especially when they carry a measure of responsibility for the welfare of others and Joshua’s new role meant his decisions and his leadership would have an impact on tens of thousands of people. The only other bit of advice God gave him was to, “8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” In other words stick to the rules and it will all be great!
It’s really not so complicated is it? Stick to the rules God sets out before you and be strong and courageous because that way you will be prosperous and successful. It doesn’t matter whether the new thing you’re doing is starting a new job or sharing your faith with someone be strong and courageous and remember the rules summarised as love God with everything you’ve got and love your neighbour as yourself!
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Question:
What is your response when you’re feeling nervous about a situation? Do you turn to God and ask Him for strength or do you grit your teeth and press on?
Prayer:
Lord God, prompt us by Your Holy Spirit to turn to You in all things, to seek Your strength, wisdom and guidance day by day that we might glorify Your name in all we do. Amen.