The Book of Joshua is a powerful account of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan and subsequent settlement in the Promised Land under God’s leadership. This account is woven with a resounding call for courage and strength as God exhorts Joshua and the people five times (Joshua 1.6-7,9,18; 10.25). These admonitions emphasize the importance of these virtues in a life of faith, obedience, and service to God.

Though Christianity emphasizes the virtues of humility, gentleness, and forgiveness, it does not minimize the importance of courage and strength. On the path of faith, we must exhibit courage and strength to confront the inevitable challenges and adversities. Our responsibility is to be resilient and brave in the face of these hurdles.

Believers consider fear a greater sin than non-believers because faith provides them with greater motivation for courage (1 John 4.18). Thus, discouraging fear is a comfort and a call to action, encouraging believers to confront danger, responsibility, pain, loss, and even ridicule without succumbing to fear. Avoiding the path of risk may lead us astray from our divine calling while shying away from duties that appear daunting and fail to honor our commitments.

Therefore, strength is a desirable trait and a requirement for overcoming sin and fulfilling our mission. Believers must confront their inner sinful desires and external evils by facing and overcoming moral weakness, which often stems from spiritual deficiencies. Believers, like the Israelites in Canaan, must deal with these and life’s general uncertainties. 

Grave dangers and the completion of difficult tasks emphasize the importance of bravery and strength. To claim their spiritual inheritance, resist sin and temptation, and expand God’s Kingdom, believers must actively engage and struggle, just as the Israelites confronted their enemies.

Fortunately, Joshua’s pages contain the secret to courage and strength. We must recognize that these characteristics are divine gifts that, through faith and reliance on His power, even the most naturally timid can obtain. As Moses handed over the reins to Joshua, he told the people, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31.6 NASB95).

Personal and communal victories serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and power. They strengthen our courage to face future challenges. For example, the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites not only reinforced their faith in God’s promises but also empowered them to confront future battles. Nevertheless, the journey of developing courage and strength is ongoing, demanding the active application of divine grace. We can expand our capacity for these virtues by stepping out in faith and obedience. While developing courage and strength requires practice, individuals can enhance these traits through dedication and effort, becoming stronger and more courageous. The synergy between courage and strength equips believers with the spiritual armor needed to face life’s battles with resilience confidently.

Viewed through the Book of Joshua, God reminds us that courage and strength are virtues for the battlefield and integral aspects of the Christian life. These virtues require our continual attention and cultivation as we maneuver through the intricacies of faith, obedience, and service. Likewise, as God equipped Joshua and the Israelites for their challenges, He provided us with the same divine resources to be courageous and strong in our spiritual journey.

“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.” (Joshua 1.9 NASB95)