God Doesn't Suggest Courage — He Commands It

It's "Treatment Tuesday" and I can't help but to reflect back on a thought I hold close on days like this. What has become routine in many ways after four years, still gets my attention and raises my anxiety every time.

“

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Hearing that you should be strong and courageous is a lofty notion. It's a pretty big idea. It's something nice to hear. But God steps up His game a little in the scripture above and says, "I command you".

Ok, that's serious!

So God, let me get this straight… Up there with, 'Do not steal. Do not kill. Do not murder'… You're COMMANDING that I be strong and courageous?

For real?

I always thought this verse was a suggestion. It's one of those verses you see on bathroom walls in church, not a verse you see right below the 10 commandments. God is so adamant on us being strong and courageous that He made it a command. God is so invested on us getting over our fears and insecurities that He doesn't just command strength and bravery, but he backs up His command with His attendance in our lives. He can command us to be courageous because He's the insurance policy on our success. God is not encouraging us to be strong because we're great, but because He's great.

So here's some really good news, there's never been a better command for you to follow. Most commands feel like things you can't do. This is a command that frees you up to do more than you've ever done in your life.

The reality for you and I is that when it comes to strength and bravery, it's not a suggestion… it's a command. You don't have any other choice but to live your life courageous.

Be Nice. Grace wins.

FMJ