(OPINION) ETH – What you and I need more than opinions from cable news pundits or another YouTube video, is to hear what God is speaking to us, our families, and our churches. I can tell you what God has spoken to me regarding the moment, but ultimately you need to hear from God how you are to live relative to the pandemic, economy, unrest, and so forth. Further, believe God for fresh manna each day—the Holy Spirit wants to continually comfort you, speak to you and guide you! The Lord told Joshua three times to “be strong and of good courage.”
The phrase “be strong” is from the Hebrew châzaq, which means: courageous, valiant, manly, strengthened, established, firm, fortified, obstinate, and mighty. It also carries the sense of a command for the preparation of battle (Josh. 1:6-7, 9; 1 Sam. 30:6; 2 Sam. 10:12; Ps. 27:14; Zech. 10:12; Hag. 2:4).
Yet not only was God giving Joshua instructions on how to be strong (Josh. 1:8-9) but the command to “be strong and courageous” also imparted the strength and courage to obey and realize the promise. God empowered Joshua in His command. Prophetic declaration releases God’s power to do the impossible.
Grace is much more than forgiveness; it empowers you to be who you are not. You are becoming like Christ because of the power of the Holy Spirit, who is the agent of grace. Grace infuses life and power within you to become like Christ, walk in your God-given identity and do the impossible as God leads. By His grace, we overcome!
Joshua was being prepared to lead the people into the promised land. As a nation, they were about to face the giants and walled cities a previous generation feared 40 years prior. They needed to be strong and of good courage and prepared for battle. CONTINUE
