God commanded Joshua to "be strong and very courageous" because he was to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Israel had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, a long time to be in unbelief. In Deuteronomy 1:38 God spoke to Moses and told him that "Joshua, son of Nun who stands before you, he shall enter there (the land), Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it". Joshua was the new leader with a mantle for a new generation. Joshua had served under Moses in the Tabernacle for many years. A new day was dawning over Israel. God said to Joshua, no man will be able to stand before you but be strong and very courageous, do not be fearful. As far as God was concerned He had already given them the land but they had to step out on the word and possess it. Joshua did not look at the giants or the walled cities but followed the Lord fully. (CONT on. PG 7)

He and Caleb had a different spirit, a spirit of faith.

Following this God appeared to Joshua in chapter 6 as the Captain of the Lord of Hosts who would lead them and this confirmed to Joshua his calling as leader of God's people. When Joshua years later had fulfilled his calling, the word of God records in Joshua 21:45 "Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the children of Israel. All came to pass".

Whatever trial you may be facing today, God is commanding you to be strong and very courageous because the captain of the host of the Lord, will come to you in the person of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage you.

Isaiah 41:10 says "Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". Ephesians 6:10 says "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might"Notice the word only in Joshua 1:7 and 1:18 only be strong and very courageous.

There is another time when the word only is used in scripture in Luke 8:50 when Jesus spoke to Jairus and said "Fear not believe only and she shall be made whole". Jairus was one of the rulers of the synagogue a prominent man. When he saw Jesus he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her that she may be healed and she shall live". Jairus had heard and seen the miracles and believed if Jesus came to his house and prayed for his daughter she would be healed. He had it all figured out but God had a greater plan, there would be a resurrection!

The woman with the issue of blood interrupted their plans. She needed her healing too. But she did not need Jesus to come to her house, she thought I only need to touch the border of His garment and I will be healed. It was against the law for her to be in a public place because of her physical condition but her faith caused her to press through the crowd and touch the hem of His garment. Jesus perceived that virtue flowed out from Him and she was healed.

Jairus was not disappointed even though his daughter who was sick had died. His daughter was raised up and brought back to life. He believed the words of Jesus in Luke 8:50 "Fear not believe only". This brought great joy to Jairus's house that day. Salvation came to his house!

Let's remember the words of Jesus- "Fear not, believe only"

Sarah Davis South Wales