For the past few days we have been exploring the subject of unwanted change in our lives by considering Israel’s transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. On Friday we read that God deeded over a large area of land to Israel. That was surely a blessing, coming out of 400 years of Egyptian slavery, but there was a catch; God had said that the land was Israel’s, they were going to have to fight for it! The land was currently occupied by the Perizzites, the Hittites, the Jebusites, the Canaanites, and the Amorites to name a few. You and I too will have to fight for the blessings which God has promised us. Though all of Gods promises are already ours in Christ (see 2 Cor. 1:20), we've got to put the soles of our feet on those promises if we want to live in them. Today, let's finish up this series with a final reminder that God gave to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  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.” (Joshua 1:6-7)

Remember Friday’s passage? God said, "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life." God had made it clear to Joshua that no one would be able to stop him from entering the Promised Land. In today's passage, God encourages Joshua, saying, "Be strong and courageous." Then He repeats Himself, but adding one word, "Be strong and very courageous." God knew Joshua would need to be strong and that he would need courage! You and I too have a fight on our hands. We’re going to need strength and courage if we are going to lay hold of what God has promised us. Most of us want to be "more than conquerors" but we’d rather not have to fight for it. Do you want to have an intimate prayer life? You're going to have to do battle with your own temptations and distractions. Do you want to get rid of the sins that distract you? You're going to have to battle the devil and your own appetites. Do you want to see good things happen in prayer? You may need to pray more—maybe much more. Do you want to have good and lasting relationships? You’re going to have to fight to make and keep those, too.

Today, let me encourage you to not lose heart. God will always keep His promises to you. Press into Him, take up the fight...and be strong and very courageous!