Be strong and courageous

Joshua 1 verse 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”

Interestingly, the Lord commanded Joshua to be courageous. If our Lord and Friend has commanded us, then there is the power and enabling in His command for us to do what He says; that is, to walk in courage and strength.

In my daily reading this week there was an article on ‘dread’. It was something I hadn’t given much thought to. I know it’s an aspect of fear; however as I read, I realized that it was something that had hung around me since I was a child. I grew up in a traditional church and I remember there was much said about hell and being right with the Lord. In my childish understanding, I took on the ‘dread’ so that even in my latter years, it has tormented me. A bit like false guilt and shame, dread is insidious and can rob you of your joy, causing a feeling of paralyses, so that you procrastinate and feel unable move forward with confidence and courage.

Our Lord and Friend has given us a way to be free from torment. He tells us to repent – change our mind (mindset), and do things His way. Believe what He says about us – who we are and His purpose for our lives. We are called to be overcomers, not just survive in life but to reign in life, by the power of Holy Spirit, and the Word of God, and the tools He has given us.

I pray this week that you will encounter the Presence of our Lord and Friend and know the enabling power He brings to each of us individually.

Love and Blessings

Kath