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Be Strong and Courageous | Joshua 1:6-9 | Pastor Josef Rasheed
In this encouraging message from Joshua 1:6-9, Pastor Josef Rasheed challenges both Pastor Dave and the Redeemer congregation to embrace God's command: “Be strong and courageous.” Just as Joshua was called to lead Israel after the death of Moses, believers today are called to trust God’s promises, follow His Word, and courageously fulfill His purposes.
Key Scripture
Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV)
6. Be Strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you ay have good 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 good success. 9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Main Challenges and Encouragements
Theme: "Be Strong and Courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9)
Pastor Rasheed's message centered on God's repeated command to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous." He applied this challenge both to Pastor Dave as a leader and to the Redeemer congregation as followers of Christ.
Challenges
1. Accept God's Calling and Leadership
Just as Joshua was commissioned to lead Israel after Moses, Pastor Dave has been commissioned by God to lead the church into its next season.
Leadership requires faith, perseverance, and dependence on God rather than personal strength.
2. Lead People Across Their Fears
The Jordan River represented the fears and obstacles facing Israel.
Believers are called to trust God through uncertainty and help others move beyond fear into faith.
3. Obey God's Word Completely
Pastor Rasheed emphasized Joshua 1:7-8, calling believers to:
Obey Scripture faithfully.
Keep God's Word on their lips.
Meditate on it day and night.
Allow God's truth to guide every decision.
4. Walk in Spiritual Freedom
Christians are called to live free from traditions, habits, and bondages that keep them from fully following Christ.
The congregation is challenged to help others experience the freedom found in Jesus.
5. Support and Pray for Church Leadership
The church was urged to stand with Pastor Dave through prayer, encouragement, unity, and faithful service.
Rather than participating in criticism or division, believers should lift up their leaders before God.
6. Stand Firm in a Culture Moving Away from God
The congregation was challenged to remain faithful to biblical truth even when society rejects Christian values.
Parents were specifically encouraged to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Encouragements
1. God Commissions Those He Calls
Throughout Scripture, God called and equipped people such as Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, Paul, and Joshua.
If God calls someone to a task, He will also provide the strength and resources to accomplish it.
2. God Is Always Present
The central encouragement came from Joshua 1:9:
"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."
