How to Be Blessed By God
Be Strong in God
Scripture: Joshua 1:1-2
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them–to the Israelites.
Joshua was born a slave in Egypt, an Israelite under the harsh rule of the Egyptians. When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Joshua emerged as a military leader (Exodus 17:9). He served Moses as a faithful aide and was by his side through almost every major crisis. Moses changed Joshua’s name from Hoshea which means “help” to Joshua which means “The Lord saves.” As we study the life of Joshua this month, we will see many teachings that parallel those of Jesus. Interestingly, the Greek language translates “Joshua” as “Jesus.”
As Joshua was being prepared by God to lead the Israelites, the first lesson was entitled: “Be strong in the Lord.” There were many military resources available to Joshua but God told him not to rely on those resources. He was to find his strength in God’s resources. God knew that no matter how large an army was, eventually, another army would come along that was larger and stronger. The lasting strength and continuous victory would have to come from a Divine Force…God Himself!
The question for today is: When you feel secure and strong, where are those feelings coming from? If we feel strong because of resources outside of God’s provisions, those feelings are not factual! Our only real security and strength must be based on the same Divine Force on which Joshua relied! Be strong in the Lord – that will last into eternity!
“Father, I will rely on you today. Every decision that needs to be made and every challenge presented will be faced with your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”