You Can Do This!

Everyone needs a pep talk every now and then. It doesn’t matter the sport, whenever I am watching a game on television. I always wonder what the coach said before the game to get the players pumped and ready to play. What words of encouragement does he/she say that prepares them for what lies ahead? Personally, I am someone that needs a pep rally every so often. I need that boost of confidence and excitement that will get me going. Maybe Joshua was the same way. 

In the book of Joshua, there are three significant sections that tell the story of how Joshua led the people of Israel after the death of Moses into the promised land. Before the people send in spies to scout out the land, before they cross the Jordan with the ark of the covenant, before they march around Jericho and have many battles with all the different Canaanite kings, Joshua gives the people a pep-talk. It’s a pre-game talk. But this is no game, this is the fulfillment of all that was promised to the patriarch Abraham. Nevertheless, Joshua gives them great words of encouragement to pump them up and encourage them to obey the command of God, no matter what. Only there will you find success. 

But you know who gives the pep talk to Joshua? God does. God tells Joshua, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 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 success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-9)

After these words, Joshua turns and encourages the people of Israel with a pep talk telling them that they can take the land, and God will give it to them. 

I need a pep talk like this every day! 

Alex, be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Scriptures as God’s son commanded you to do. Don’t turn from it to the right or left so that you will have success wherever you go. 

I CAN DO THIS!

YOU CAN DO THIS!

~ Alexander