Joshua was about to take the job of a lifetime. He had trained well under the greatest leaders ever known. It had fallen upon his shoulders to take a wandering nation into the promised land. He knew he would face giants in the land but also the people he was leading had a reputation of moaning, groaning and rebelling.

As he stood that day, a rebellious people behind him, giants in front of him, God commanded him, ordered him:

Be strong.
Be of good courage.
Do Not allow fear to rule you
Do Not be dismayed by the daunting circumstances you are about to face.

This was an order from God. Not a suggestion. As a leader, the nation looked to Joshua for guidance. If Joshua were anxious, fearful, dismayed, the nation would follow.

But Josh didn’t have to muster the strength on his own. He didn’t have to look within to find courage. God said, “Joshua, you have nothing to be afraid of, you can be strong because I Am is with you. Be strong, knowing where you go, I AM goes. I AM is with you in the battle, in the storm.

What battle is before you? What trouble is behind you? What giants are in front of you? What overwhelming circumstance is causing you to fear? God is commanding you as he commanded Joshua, “Be strong. Be of good courage. Do not fear. Do not be dismayed. Because the Great I AM is with you. The Great I Am is fighting on your behalf. Wherever you go, whatever circumstance you face, whatever giants are in the land, the Great I Am will not forsake you.”

Friends, Go out in courage and strength today, knowing the Great I Am goes before you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬