Attempt Great Things
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. – Joshua 1:6 NKJV.
Joshua has received a promotion to Leader of the Children of Israel and Commander in Chief of the Israeli armed forces. Joshua has just taken over the reins from Moses. But this is not necessarily a promotion that Joshua wanted or desired to have. This was not going to be a cake walk. There were so many people. They had proven in the past to be a rebellious people. At least their parents were. They had it in their blood. Joshua knew he had to protect these people and at the same time conquer a land filled with strong cities and people. For many it would have been an impossible task. God knew Joshua would need courage.
Courage can be valor demonstrated as the soldier or others face death. Courage, however, can and must be demonstrated to live the Christian life. John F. Kennedy once said, “Without belittling the courage with which men have died we should not forget those acts of courage with which . . . men have lived.”
Much of what God calls on us to do as His child requires courage. It requires courage for us to take seriously the Great Commission. It requires courage for us to live out the Sermon on the Mount. It certainly requires courage to follow in the steps of Jesus. Sometimes, however, we are called on to face what may seem to be an impossible task. We may face our own Jericho as did Joshua. Will we have the courage? Can it be done?
J. A. Holmes said, “Never tell anyone it can’t be done. God may have been waiting for centuries for somebody ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing.”
Teddy Roosevelt said, “I am only an average man, but I work harder at it than the average man.”
When William Carey began to make preparations to go to India as a missionary his father tried to talk him out of it. His father pointed out that he had no academic qualifications for such a task. Carey’s response was, “I can plod.” I think we can agree he did more than plod! Carey’s motto or theme of life was: “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
Attempted anything great for God lately?