City Life Starter

Starter is back after a refreshing two months of aligning ourselves to the purpose and mission that God has in our lives and for our church. Learning to have a strong foundation in faith is key to unlocking the potential that we have through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In times of uncertainty, in a future of unknowns, in our present circumstances there is nothing that should stop us from pursuing God and living with heavenly peace. The Bible is filled with stories of people who God raised up as leaders and would not have been one if simple men had their choice. God took Moses and made him a leader after having run away from taking responsibility for his crimes. Joseph was a spoiled brat sold into slavery and became the second most powerful person in Egypt. The apostles were pick by Jesus after having already given up on becoming a rabbi and went into their family trade. The list goes on.

There is a common theme that makes a leader in times of uncertainty as we see with Joshua. Moses was at the end of his days and God picked Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land and to conquer the nations who resided there. I’m sure the task seemed unbearable for a person such as Joshua. How do you lead a whole nation into a new land in times of uncertainty? How was God going to accomplish this? Isn’t there anyone else?

Every time that Joshua was wondering if he was able enough, the words that came from God were simply, “Be strong and courageous,” and that He would be with him and never forsake him.

Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:7

“The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.’”

Deuteronomy 31:23

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”

Joshua 1:5-6

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.”

Joshua 1:9

“Only be strong and courageous.”

Joshua 1:18

God had to remind Joshua several times to be strong and courageous to encourage him through the hardships that would follow. God also promised Joshua He would never leave nor forsake him. The one thing that Joshua needed besides his faith in God was to be strong and courageous in his own self-doubt. Leaders lead and yet, leaders need to be reminded that with God, nothing is impossible. All you need to do is to be strong and courageous because the Lord your God is with you and will never forsake you.

Be strong and courageous!

Have God not commanded you fellow brothers and sisters? Be strong and courageous!