Courage.
It’s a character trait that we all want to have. There are few greater compliments than someone telling you that you are brave, unafraid, or courageous and it is a wonderful feeling to look something frightening in the eye and overcome. Unfortunately though, getting to that point of actually DOING the courageous thing is often paved with some excuse making and a smidge of nausea =) (Oh…is that just me?)
In the early chapters of the book of Joshua we meet a young, new leader – the books namesake, Joshua. He’s facing some major tasks and, as the late Moses’ assistant, has some LAAARGE shoes to fill! The Lord tells him that he is going to become the leader of the Israelites and lead them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land… that is a serious task!! Can you please imagine with us for a moment THAT conversation!?!?! We’re picturing sweaty palms, a pale face, and some SERIOUS need for fresh air!
BUT THEN – God says something that changes everything (He is SO good at that!) -
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you….This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Be courageous Joshua! I have your back! You can do this tough/scary/big thing! Be strong and FULL OF COURAGE!! I’m with you!
Ready for the best part? (Oh yea…there’s more!) God’s promise of support and His commands to be courageous is for us too!! It didn’t expire thousands of years ago on the banks of the Jordan river. Suddenly, the thing that the Lord is asking of us seems slightly more doable. We have a big God in our court whose promise to Joshua still applies today!
” Be strong and courageous (insert your name here)! Be careful to obey all of the instructions I give you! Do not be afraid or discouraged (insert your name here)! For the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER you go!”
What is something courageous that the Lord is asking you to do this week? We pray for boldness for you as you jump into the amazing tasks He has for you!! He has your back today and everyday afterwards!! Be courageous!
Together in Him,
Your Philanthropy Family
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We are SO pumped for Main Street Festival this weekend in Franklin!! What an honor and blessing to live in a community that so many people want to come and visit for a few days! In the hustle and bustle (and crazy fun!) , it can be SO easy to forget what an opportunity this is! Our Lord sets a pretty high example of patience and focus in all circumstances and, while I like to think that I also am the poster child for calm, cool, and collected, that would be kinda far from the truth =) We are really praying that this weekend we will not get lost in the “busy” around us but, rather, be ready to be a light to all of those who the Lord sends our way!
As Jesus was preparing for the crucifixion, He has some time with his disciples….He tells them this: