“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:6–7
When does sport demand courage? Is it when we face superior competition? Is courage a factor in overcoming fatigue? What role does courage play in overcoming adversity? Today’s Scripture links strength and courage in a powerful combination.
Joshua had just taken leadership of his people after Moses had died. As he assumed this most intimidating role, God told him twice to be strong and courageous, adding the second time to be very courageous. Courage would obviously be a most important quality for Joshua’s leadership.
What situations in today’s competitions may require us to be strong and very courageous? Some situations could be as scary to us now, as replacing Moses would have been to Joshua.
The Lord’s words to us today would be the same as they were to Joshua. He would say, “Be strong and very courageous. Walk boldly into today’s competition with strength and confidence. Take on your opponent with great courage and determination to win.”
1. When does your sport demand courage of you?
2. What role does courage play in overcoming adversity?
3. What are the situations in today’s competition that may require you to be strong and very courageous?
Extra Reading: Isaiah 41:1–9; John 16:28–33
Father, infuse me and my team with courage as You did Joshua and his followers so many years ago. Enable us to be strong and courageous as we compete in a way that will honor You and our Lord Jesus. Amen.
