Heartgate International Ministries

Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and of good courage …”

How can one be what one isn’t?  If you are weak, or perceive yourself as weak, how can you be strong???

Joshua was told by God that he was given the land.  IT WAS ALREADY A DONE DEAL! God was not giving it to him. He had given (past tense) it to him. It was a finished task on God’s part of the giving – but the receiving is quite another matter.  Until Joshua ultimately occupies the land, being given the gift of the land is only a fact.  It doesn’t change anything until Joshua occupies the land – but before he can do that, he must take possession of it.  In fact, the gift is useless until it is possessed by the new owner. It is just untapped potential. Possession requires moving in and taking ownership of, and responsibility for, what you have been given. However, it is often “a long walk” (a longer process) between knowing the fact that God has given us something and our taking possession of it!

The taking of new territory comes down to 3 basic steps: (1) God gives to us; (2) we receive what He gives (“believing” is a condition of “receiving”), and (3) we by faith and thru faith take ownership of what He has given and begin to live in the newly acquired territory. These three steps apply throughout our whole life as Christians as we “take hold” of the promises He has extended to us throughout scripture. In fact, John 3:16 is an example of these 3 steps at work.  “God so loved the world that (1) He gave His only begotten Son, that (2) whosoever would believe in Him (3) shall have everlasting life”. In other words, seek what God has given you (declared in His Word), receive it in your heart (take possession), and lastly, occupy by growing in faith and using that faith to move into new areas of greater authority and fruitfulness.

The accepting, receiving and applying of John 3:16 to our life is salvation faith – BUT that is only the starting point – the launching point.  Faith must grow if we are to be able to “take possession”’ of the promise – whatever the promise.  Taking “the land” and occupying it requires more faith – a growing faith that not only allows you to believe the promise is from God, but allows and enables you to possess it and to make it yours. At the same time it releases and launches you into your next level of faith.  Living in the “faith once possessed” becomes the enabling factor to believe for, take possession of, and live in the “greater” faith needed for the journey ahead of you.  

When God speaks to Joshua in vs 6 and tells him to be strong, He also adds “and of good courage …”  In vs. 9 God says to “be strong and very courageous …”  In 2 Corinthians 12: 8 we see the Apostle Paul was struggling with weakness in an ongoing battle for which he sought the Lord three times. In vs. 9 God answered His prayer.  “… He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” – in other words God’s strength will fill your weakness and make you strong when you feel you’ve had enough and can’t go on any further. The strength lacking here that God is referring to is not mere physical strength.  It is a mental mind-set, a resolute, purpose-driven, fearless, passionate, determined, laser-focused, unstoppable pursuit of God’s will and direction for “taking the land and “claiming a promise”.

So, my friend, when God says to “be strong …”, it doesn’t matter how you feel or what may resist you as you face obstacles or challenges, for you don’t face them alone!  And what’s most important to remember is that GOD IS IN your struggle providing grace to win the battle and conquer every foe.