As the Independence Day week-end festivities are coming to an end, I am reminded of what it really took to get us where we are today. The old saying “Freedom is never free” is so true. But most of us have never had to fight for our freedom. Do we really understand how strong and courageous the original patriots had to be back in 1776? Their participation in the revolution was treasonous to the British crown. They risked everything for our freedom. If needed, could we, would we do the same? Do we have what it takes to keep our freedom?

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, their leader, Joshua faced a similar question. He was commanded by God to be strong and courageous. God said this not once but three times to Joshua. Was Joshua feeling a little unsure of himself at that moment? We don’t know since the Bible doesn’t really tell us but I would imagine he was. Just think about his situation. He had just lost Moses, his mentor of 40 years. He was leading a people not known for their obedience to rules and the company of Israelites who wandered in the desert was huge. A census had been recorded in the Book of Numbers that totalled 601,730 men over 20 years old or more who were able to serve in the army of Israel. This didn’t even count the very young, the very old and any of the females. Joshua’s task would have been like moving the city of Indianapolis over the Jordan River.  How was he to manage them all? God gave him three promises to hold on to each time he commanded him to be strong and courageous.

He first told him, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” In other words, “You, Joshua, are the man for the job.” He was a born leader, a great military tactician. God was telling Joshua that He was going to carry out His promise through him.

Next God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Be careful to follow and obey the law my servant Moses gave to you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” God promised him success in the task set before him if he would follow His word. He told him to “…meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Finally God said, ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God saved the best for last. No matter what, He promised, “I will be with you.”

Fear and discouragement can be mighty deterrents to accomplishing the small as well as the big tasks in life. We may never be asked to risk everything for a cause such as our forefathers almost 240 years ago. However, I believe that we all are given gifts and talents to use for the glory of God. How we choose to use these attributes is up to us. We can bury them in the ground in fear, we can use them in negative or harmful ways or we can use them to help our fellow-man and promote God’s Kingdom here on earth. Stepping out from fear in the little things by showing love and care to those around us prepares us for the bigger tasks God may set before us in the future.

So look to the example of Joshua when a task that seems too big to handle looms before you. Know that you are gifted. Follow God’s Word. Step beyond fear and discouragement. You will be successful. The Lord is with you wherever you go. This is His promise. Be strong and courageous. He is walking beside you and His Spirit resides in you always and forever.