{"id":52794,"date":"2023-02-06T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/?p=52794"},"modified":"2025-04-23T15:15:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T22:15:15","slug":"the-need-for-strength-and-courage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/the-need-for-strength-and-courage\/","title":{"rendered":"The Need for Strength and Courage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever faced a task so daunting you were unsure it would be possible to complete? Or have you been in such a difficult situation that you didn\u2019t think you had the necessary resources to succeed? While none of us \u201cis adequate for these things\u201d (2 Cor. 2:16<\/a>), we know that we should not cower before these tasks and situations. But how do we face these things with strength<\/strong> and courage<\/strong>? Here\u2019s an answer to that question from the Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible<\/a> from the life of Joshua. Not only was Joshua replacing Moses, but he was also tasked with leading the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan. Let\u2019s see what we can learn from this excerpt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Find Courage in Times of Adversity?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 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.\u201d <\/p>\nJoshua 1:6-9<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, adversity is like boot camp; it is rigorous, painful, and challenging. Difficulties cause us to adopt new routines and habits; to mature in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being; and to grow in our relationship with the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During times of trial, we need to remain courageous and faithful. We also must stay steadfast in our devotion to the Lord as we battle feelings of doubt, fear, and limitation. He will provide the strength and hope not only to endure the hardship but also to make the changes that are required of us so we can claim the blessings of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, we can trust Him to \u201ctransform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory\u201d (Phil 3:21<\/a>)\u2014to change us so we live a life honoring Him, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and face every hurdle with valor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joshua to Succeed Moses and Lead the Israelites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a close associate of Moses, Joshua had grown in his faith and leadership abilities\u2014he also knew all about adversity. Without question, the forty years of wandering in the wilderness had subjected him to physical, relational, spiritual, emotional, and mental hardships that helped him to understand the harsh realities of pain and suffering. Yet Joshua also knew that the Lord was with him and the nation of Israel. This assurance gave him all he needed to persevere, no matter how difficult the situation became.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the time came for the people of God to cross the Jordan River and inhabit the Land of Promise, the Lord named Joshua as the leader to succeed Moses and admonished him about being courageous:<\/p>\n\n\n\n