Think Victory! Courage

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

The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines courage as "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery." The way I think about courage is to have this quality of mind and spirit to face difficulty, pain, etc. despite fear. In other words, courage enables us to press forward in a dangerous or painful circumstance without fear keeping you from moving forward.

Courage allows for fear - it just doesn't allow it to control one's activity. If you have ever watched the opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan" You will agree that the men who were in those landing crafts on Omaha beach, as they approached the beach were afraid. They reasoned that they may not make it back home alive - but that didn't stop them. They were courageous and pressed forward to take the beach - despite their fear and the bullets flying all around them.

I think Joshua may have felt the same way. He had spied the land of promise before. He knew what the occupants of the land looked like. He also knew of all the grumblings of the Israelites. Now he has the responsibility to cross the Jordan, claim enemy territory as Promised Land for God's people, and destroy the enemies of God. Any reasonable man would be even the slightest bit fearful. But Joshua's faith in the person and promises of God empowered him to be "Strong and very courageous." He pushed through his fear and crossed the Jordan. His courage was based on his trust in God - not his own strength.

How about us? Is there something that fear may be keeping us from advancing the Kingdom of God? Press through with the courage that comes from believing the promises and character of the God who will never leave us nor forsake us! From Pastor Mike Woods - Director of
Addiction Recovery Ministries for Men/America's KESWICK

Great quote: "God will comfort us, but He will never coddle us. He will engage us, but He will never manipulate us. He will provide for us more than we ever could dream of, but He will never overindulge us. And whether we like it or not ... maturity of the heart is synonymous with failure, pain, and powerlessness." - Stephen James & David Thomas

NEWS FLASH: We have some empty rooms this summer that we'd like to fill. We are offering a 75% discount for Prophecy Week, Week #1 and Week #4. This is a great way for you to experience a week at America's KESWICK at a great savings. Check out the brochure on our website: www.americaskeswick.org or call for information: 732-350-1187!