Take Courage
It feels like the rug has been pulled out from underneath us. In a blink, our world was turned upside down by this pandemic. Fear and anxiety have become our constant companions.
How do we find courage when we need it most?
How do we live courageously in the midst of uncertain times?
Uncertain times are nothing new to the people of God. In fact, it is in the soil of uncertainty that God does his greatest work through his people. Joshua was one such leader thrown into the deep end, thrust into an impossible situation. In his story, we discover how to find courage when we need it most.
More from God is Bigger
Teaching Notes
“A scared world needs a fearless church. - A.W. Tozer
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” - Nelson Mandela
Where do we find courage when we need it most?
How do you live courageously in the midst of uncertain times?
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “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. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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 1:1-9
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God’s CALLING on your life requires COURAGE.
“Insistence on security is incompatible with the way of the cross. What daring adventures the incarnation and the atonement were! What a breach of convention and decorum that Almighty God should renounce his privileges in order to take human flesh and bear human sin! Jesus had no security except in his Father. So to follow Jesus is always to accept at least a measure of uncertainty, danger and rejection for his sake." - John Stott
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart’… ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Love your neighbor:
- Obeying the laws & guidelines in this pandemic.
- Neighbor Happy Hour [5pm, Physical Distancing].
- Calling and checking in on people / praying for them.
- Serving those who are Elderly
2. God wants to encourage you.
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. Exodus 33:11
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14 [ESV]
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Psalm 31:24 [ESV]
3. Beware of two big enemies of the HEART.
- FEAR - scared, frightened, anxiety, panic, trepidation
- DISCOURAGEMENT – lose heart/hope, broken down, made low in spirits
4. God is WITH YOU.
Moses --> Joshua [Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Joshua 1:1-9]
David --> Solomon [1 Chronicles 22:11-13; 28:20]
Jesus --> Disciples [John 14:25-27; Matthew 28:18-20]
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
What would you do if you were absolutely confident God was with you?