Be Strong and Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NIV.

While studying the Scriptures, Jerry* was challenged to allow what he read in God’s word to impact the decisions he made in his life. Jerry wasn’t sure how that would work, but he agreed to try. God took his willingness and provided Jerry with an opportunity to live out what he had read.

Jerry was studying in Joshua and had read about being strong and courageous. The Spirit reminded him about a broken relationship he had with a friend over an argument that happened six months prior. Jerry knew that he was at fault, but he was scared to call this friend and apologize. He kept hearing God whisper to him, “Be strong and courageous, Jerry.”

Later that same day the friend called Jerry and asked to meet. Jerry agreed. On his way to the meeting, he began to feel sick to his stomach. Fear welled up inside him, and he almost turned back. God said, “Jerry, be strong and courageous.” So Jerry continued.

As he was about to turn his motorcycle into the parking lot near where he was to meet his friend, another wave of fear swept over him. He thought about leaving. At that moment he received a text message on his hand phone. The message read, “I am praying for you brother.” Again he heard God whisper, “Be strong and courageous.”

Jerry pulled into the parking lot and took a deep breath. ‘Okay,’ he thought to himself. ‘God wants me to be strong and courageous and someone is praying for me. I can do this.’ He went to meet his friend. He confessed what he had done and asked for forgiveness. The friend forgave him, and they spent the next two hours reconnecting.

Looking back on the experience, Jerry smiled and said, “I’m so glad God reminded me to be strong and courageous.”

*Name changed for the privacy of the local believer.

Pray that:

Jerry will continue to let God’s word impact the way he lives his life.

God will reach others through Jerry as he lives out his faith in Jesus.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.