Be strong and of a good courage

Today’s reflection is about the great leader Joshua, who finished guiding the people of Israel to the land promised by God. Obviously it was a great challenge for the leader Joshua, since he faced a very rebellious people, who preferred slavery before the freedom that God offered them, and then a land from which flowed milk and honey.

Let’s read today’s verses, which are found in Joshua chapter 1, verses 1 through 9.

1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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.

Joshua 1: 1-9

Joshua was a man who had already been a leader of the people of Israel, he was very brave. Remember that he and Caleb recognize the promised land and said: “for they are bread for us.” Courage was not what this new leader lacked, but God knew his people, God knew that the people of Israel were rebellious and difficult to guide, and this is why he says: “Be strong and of a good courage”. But then we find something very curious and it is that God himself says: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

The same God who told him to make an effort also told him that He would be with him and nobody would confront him. Brethren, we must know that God has promised to be with us all the days of our life, but this does not mean that we should remain cross-hands, we should be brave, hard-working, fight for the things that God gives us. Joshua’s work as a leader was not a small thing, but throughout his ministry we realize that God fulfilled his Word in him and that Joshua was always a courageous leader and man.

Dear reader, despite our human weakness, we have been called to be strong in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be brave and I assure you that God will always be with us.

However, it is important to understand that Joshua’s courage was not merely a natural trait; it was the result of obedience, communion with God, and trust in the promises the Lord had spoken. Joshua did not depend on his own experience as a soldier or on his years serving under Moses. Instead, he based his leadership on what God said, meditating on the book of the law day and night. This teaches us that true strength does not come from human ability, but from a heart that depends fully on the Lord.

Notice that God repeated “be strong and courageous” several times. When God repeats something, it is because it is essential. Joshua was about to face fortified cities, powerful armies, and a large nation that demanded guidance and order. In addition, he had the emotional weight of replacing Moses, a giant of faith. This context helps us appreciate the importance of God’s encouragement: He was equipping Joshua not only with authority, but with courage rooted in divine presence.

In the same way, every believer faces their own “Jordan River.” It may be a personal challenge, a difficult decision, a spiritual battle, or responsibilities that seem overwhelming. We may feel unprepared or insufficient, just as Joshua might have felt at times. But the Lord reminds us that success and strength are not found in our skills, but in obeying His Word and trusting His guidance.

Furthermore, God’s promise “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture. It tells us that God is not distant, nor is He a spectator of our struggles. He is actively present, directing, sustaining, and strengthening His children. This presence is what transforms fear into courage and uncertainty into determination.

Joshua’s leadership also highlights an important spiritual principle: victory is achieved when we advance in obedience. The land was already promised, but Joshua still had to walk, fight, and lead. Likewise, God has prepared blessings, growth, and spiritual victories for our lives, but we must move forward in faith, make decisions, and act according to His Word. God opens the doors, but He calls us to walk through them.

Finally, Joshua’s story reminds us that God is faithful from generation to generation. As He was with Moses and then with Joshua, He is also with us today. Our circumstances may change, but His promises remain firm. Therefore, let this passage strengthen you, encourage your heart, and remind you that no matter how difficult the journey becomes, the Lord your God goes with you wherever you go.