Courage to Conquer (eBook)

January

JANUARY 1

NEW BEGINNING

After Moses, Yahweh’s servant, died, Yahweh spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ faithful assistant.

JOSHUA 1:1

As the book of Joshua opens, we find Israel in the midst of a transition between the old era under Moses and the beginning of a new one, with a new leader and prophet of Israel, Joshua. Joshua had been Moses’ faithful assistant after the pilgrimage out of Egypt when Israel wandered in the wilderness. No doubt, there was grief around the death of Moses. He had led the people out of their captivity. He had met with God and passed on the Ten Commandments to the people. He had been the frontrunner to whom Israel looked. And yet, amidst Israel’s mourning, God raised up another leader over them. A new beginning was before them when they would finally enter into their promised land.

Is there an ending that you are grieving? Has a door closed in an area of your life? Even in your mourning, you are not without hope. God has his steady hand upon your life. He will continue to direct you, and he will not fail to guide you into greater goodness.

Yahweh, even in my grief, I turn to you. Speak to me and encourage my heart in your wonderfully wise purposes. I trust you to guide me still.

JANUARY 2

MOVE AHEAD

“My servant Moses is dead. Now get up! Prepare to cross the Jordan River, you and all the people. Lead them into the land that I am giving to the Israelites.”

JOSHUA 1:2

What is the Lord speaking over you today? Is there an area of your life where you have felt stuck without the breakthrough you have been longing for? The mercy of God moves us forward. We do not have to feel ready. We don’t have to have all the details figured out. When God tells us to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead, let’s take him at his word and make obedience our reply.

When God tells us that it is time to move ahead, we can be sure that as our loyal and loving leader, he goes with us. Trust that the one who is calling you forward will prepare the way ahead of you. He will be with you, and he will continue to provide you with all you need for the journey. His faithfulness is sure. When God’s timing is right, it is the right time to move. Listen to what the Lord is saying and respond in faith.

Lord, speak to me like you spoke to Joshua. I want to hear your clear voice directing me out of my wandering ways. I will follow you.

JANUARY 3

LAND OF PROMISE

“Every part of the land where you march I will give you, as I promised Moses.”

JOSHUA 1:3

God’s promises are his vow, and his vow is backed up by his unshakable character. The one who is overflowing in loyal love is the same one who leads us into our victory. What promises of God have you built your life upon? How many of those are still in the process of being fulfilled? Though we cannot know God’s timing, we can rest in the faithfulness of his nature. What he says, he will do. What he speaks, he will follow through on.

Wherever you are, God is with you. Wherever you go, he will be with you still. Cling to him above all else, and you will know the overwhelming peace of his presence. Take confidence in who he is, no matter the unknowns before you. He is steady in love, he is able to deliver you from your fears and your enemies, and he will do what he has promised to do. Lean on him, for he is your ever-present help. Trust his Word and keep moving forward into the land of promise.

Unchanging One, I trust your mercy more than I do my own understanding. Walk with me, instruct me, lead me, and draw me closer to you today.

JANUARY 4

FRESH VISION

“Your borders will extend from the southern desert to the northern mountains of Lebanon, and from the great river Euphrates in the east, to the Mediterranean in the west.”

JOSHUA 1:4

Have you ever felt as if you exhausted God by needing reminders of what he has already spoken? Thankfully, he does not grow tired of answering our questions. He does not withhold information or shame us for our faulty memories. He is incredibly and wonderfully patient with us.

Spend time in the presence of the Lord and ask him to speak directly to your heart. He knows what you need to hear; he knows the encouragement you need. He has plans for you, and he will not keep them to himself. He clearly gave Joshua the borders of Israel’s promised land, and he will show you the parameters of your own. When you know what is yours, you can confidently walk in the promises of God. Press in and hear what the Spirit is saying.

Spirit, I ask you to speak directly to my heart today. Give me fresh vision for what is ahead and speak in specific ways that give clear borders to what has felt ambiguous up until now. I trust you!

JANUARY 5

WORD OF PROMISE

“Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you for the rest of your life! I will be with you as I was with Moses, and I will never fail nor abandon you.”

JOSHUA 1:5

How often have you heard that God would never fail or abandon you? Has it become a stale phrase in your mind, or does it still move you with the marvelous mercy that lies within its promise? Though the Lord was speaking directly to Joshua in this passage, these same words are invoked by the writer of Hebrews (13:5).

God promises that he will never fail. He cannot go against his merciful nature and take back a vow that he has made. He will never fail. He will never abandon us. When we look to Jesus, we can know that we are looking to the Faithful One. The Father and Son have given us their Spirit and promised that we will never be alone. No matter what we have done or what circumstances we find ourselves in, when we turn to God and look to him, we will find that he is nearer than we realized.

Faithful One, reveal yourself to me through your presence. Give me revelation to see where you are already working and give me the peace of your presence.

JANUARY 6

FROM CONVICTION TO ACTION

“You must remain very strong and courageous! Be faithful to obey all the teaching that my servant Moses commanded you to follow… so that you will have overwhelming success in everything you undertake.”

JOSHUA 1:7

There is a reason why moving into the realm of God’s promises requires courage. We do not walk forward into unknown territory able to rely on the limits of our past experiences. As we enter into new territory, there is an opportunity for expansion—of experience, of understanding, and of trust. There is no formula for success, only obedience to God’s Word.

The Word of God is living and active. It is through Jesus that we know the Father, and Jesus is the Living Word made flesh. As we look through the lens of the Old Testament, may we do it with eyes that look for glimpses of Jesus in it. We need to rely on the Spirit of God to instruct us, to lead us, and to strengthen us with bold courage! As we align our lives with his kingdom ways, we walk in the light of his presence. This requires the empowering grace of his Spirit with us. Let us never stop looking to him for all that we need, for he is our source and our strength.

Spirit of God, give me the courage I need to keep following your loving lead. I trust you more than any other—including my own senses.

JANUARY 7

MEDITATE ON THE WORD

“Recite this scroll of the law constantly. Contemplate it day and night and be careful to follow every word it contains; then you will enjoy incredible prosperity and success.”

JOSHUA 1:8

There is so much wisdom found in the Word of God. When we meditate on God’s ways, on his Word, and on his character, our minds transform with increased trust in his faithfulness. He has given us instructions for how to stay close to him and how to walk in the ways of his kingdom. He knows that we need his help and his direction, and we have it!

May you find encouragement and powerful transformation as you walk in the ways of God. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the one who reveals the very heart of your Father in heaven. Fellowship with the Spirit who is full of the fruit of peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and so much more. Meditate on the Word of God, both written and spoken. Let it challenge, embolden, and mold you. There is power in the revelation of God!

Faithful One, as I ponder your Word, reveal your characteristics to me more and more. Let me see your faithfulness and your loyal love as my foundation. I long to know you more.

JANUARY 8

NO REASON TO FEAR

“I repeat, be strong and brave! Do not yield to fear nor be discouraged, for I am Yahweh your God, and I will be with you wherever you go!”

JOSHUA 1:9

When we look at the reasons God gives us to not give in to discouragement or fear, we catch a glorious glimpse of his goodness. He tells us to be strong in his love, to be brave in his presence. There is no reason to let fear overtake us, for God is with us. He is the one who goes with us...