“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”[1] Deuteronomy 31:6
As I thought and prayed about 2019, I was sick of making empty new year’s resolutions. With that in mind, I put this question out to my followers, “If you can think of one word to define you for 2019 what is that word?” I received several great responses. On Mondays to kickoff this new year I will turn these words into a devotional. I pray they are a blessing and hope they inspire those who picked these words.
The word courageous struck me. What does it mean to be courageous? From Joshua, it was following a well-respected leader in Moses. It requires courageous leaders to lead in a time of transition. The former generation has died off, only a remnant remains Caleb, Joshua, and Moses. As the transition is underway Moses was about to go with God. At the end of Deuteronomy 31 and following these are transition chapters. Moses gives his farewell words to the people he has loved and led for forty years. Despite all the personal attacks by the chosen and recused people of God, Moses remained so loyal. Now Joshua will lead these grumbling and rebellious people as they take the land promised to them.
Is God calling you this year of 2019 to be courageous? Are the tough challenges ahead that you may have avoided because you were not ready or willing to pay the price? Have you avoided critical conversations because you feared the fallout? Maybe this is your year to lead a courageous life for God and His kingdom. Remember the works given to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, give me a spirit of courage. I know that whatever you have called me to do, say or lead that I don’t do it without Your power behind me. The psalmists remind us of Your protection God, “6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:6-8
Give me courage Lord to live out my calling for the expansion of the Kingdom. In Jesus Name. Amen.
[1]The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Dt 31:6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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