In His Word Wednesday: Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you ? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

In many ways, adversity is like boot camp; it is rigorous, painful, and challenging. It causes us to adopt new routines and habits as to develop aspects of our being. In all areas, we need courage to keep our balance. We need courage not only to endure times of adversity, but also to make the changes that adversity compels us to make.

Joshua knew all about adversity. Forty years of wondering in the wilderness had qualified him to understand hardship, trials, and troubles. In verses 6, 7, and 9, the Lord spoke to Joshua about courage. In these 3 verses are 3 things that require Joshua's courage:
1. Making decisions that affect other people under his leadership. (our families, employees)
2. To keep the laws and commandments, even as changes occur. (our culture is steadily steering away from God's Word)
3. To remember the Lord is with him, despite what circumstances might indicate to the contrary. (financial, family, or health problems)

Every one of us needs courage in exactly the same three areas of our lives as we face adversity.