The book of Joshua is probably most well-known for a statement by Joshua in chapter 24 verse 15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” However, I want to focus on a different concept from the book of Joshua which is repeated several times throughout the book: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Joshua needed to be strong and courageous because he was about to lead the people as they entered the promised land.
Christians also need to be strong and courageous like Joshua. In Ephesians 6:10, immediately before the explanation of the armor of God, the Bibles states: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Christians are in a constant spiritual warfare and need to be prepared to be tough and stand up for the Lord. Ephesians 6:11-12 further explains the type of warfare Christians are against: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
How do Christians become strong? How do they prepare themselves to stand up for the Lord? A Christian can prepare themselves by being in the Word and living the Word. A Christian can stand strong by being a prayerful person. A Christians can also become strong by fortifying themselves with other Christians. It is much easier to stand up against an enemy when one is not alone. Finally, a Christian should realize that they are never alone: God is always with them as long as they remain faithful.