Conflict is to be expected in the Christians life. Two ways the enemy seeks to disturb and create doubts is through “fear,” the word means to “terrify,” and “discouragement” to take courage out of someone! The LORD tells, commands Joshua to counteract with “being Strong,” Being “courageous” as he went forward leading the people into for what him was the “unknown” but to God was already known. Fear and discouragement attack the emotions which seeks to influence the thinking process to affect the decision making. Remember the spies who came back with a bad report and influenced the people? They had yielded to fear and not His promise. And over countless generations this two prong attack has never changed, nor has God’s antidote… Be strong Be courageous and the word “FOR” gives the explanation and Motivation why you can be, namely God’s assurance and promise…”The LORD your God is with you wherever you go!”-{ Joshua 1:9}. Concentrate on Who is with you…now! – You are never alone, never account a difficulty, temptation, the future, on your own…and you can be strong, you can be courageous in His POWER because of Him who is PRESENT with you, empowers you to be so! “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”-{Phil 2:13 nlt};
You can have confidence in the conflict because you know Whom you are believing in, who is present with you to empower you…with strength and courage…and He is always present with you and for you! Consider Him who is with you…now!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -{Joshua 1:9}
Perhaps memorize, meditate on these verses….
Seek to share with someone the enemy’s two weapons in this passage and how to counteract, and God’s promise
CONFLICT- is normal -. COURAGE- is necessary – CONFIDENCE in Him – is the Solution, the Answer!