Todd Johnson
Family Pastor
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
My oldest son, Zach, played football and lacrosse in high school and did very well in both sports. He definitely got his athletic ability from his mom 🙂. His senior year, he challenged himself with this verse from the book of Joshua and even wrote it on his football cleats. He was able to use it as a witnessing tool on the football field when his teammates or opposing players would ask him what it was, it allowed him to share the verse and how his confidence came from knowing Jesus as his Savior.
This verse became a staple in our household that year as we watched Bethany fight her final battle with brain cancer. The four of us would constantly remind each other that God is with us and through Him, we can be strong and courageous. Bethany was a warrior and she lived out this verse to the fullest and to the very end of her life here on earth. I am still having some hard days and so the Lord reminded me of this truth this morning. He wants me to fully rely on Him and know that my strength and courage comes from walking closely with Him every day, all day. What are you struggling with in your life right now that you need to give to Him? How can you live with strength and courage as well as rest in the arms of our Savior? Life is full of difficulties, but we serve a BIG GOD that will carry us through. Stop trying to do everything by yourself and just sit with Jesus, crawl into his big, strong arms and let him be your strength and courage. You won’t be disappointed…I promise.