Joshua - Choosing Courage

Just wrapped up the Joshua story.  Most of us are familiar with the Joshua 24:15 verse - "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  Joshua is remembered as a courageous soul who followed Moses as leader of Israel and led the people in the conquest of the promised land.

What you may not know is how Joshua became a person of courage.  There is an obscure story about Moses and Joshua back in Exodus 33.  In those days Moses was in the custom of setting up a "tent of meeting" as a place for people to inquire of the Lord.  Moses would also enter the tent to talk with God.  Exodus 33 records how Joshua remained inside the tent even after Moses left.  Joshua wanted to seek the Lord.  That's where Joshua's courage began - with a desire to seek the Lord.

Later in Joshua's story we see him giving a "good report" as he looks on God's promise with eyes of faith.  (Numbers 13-14).   As a new leader, the Lord encouraged him three times with the words, "Be strong and courageous."  (Joshua 1:1-9)  But where could Joshua find such courage?

For Joshua, courage began with a decision - a decision to seek the Lord.  What's your source of strength?  where do you turn when you are weak?  I hope you will turn to the Lord.