Be Strong and of a good Courage

Joshua 1:1- 9 "Be strong and of a good courage." These were the Words of the Lord to Joshua, before the Israelites went over the Jordan river to possess the Promised land. Joshua was a man that had a servant's heart, and was obedient to the Lord and His Words, to the very end. He saw all the miracles God performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, and how God took care of His children, all the way up to the Jordan. 40 years in the wilderness will make one comfortable with many fears and excuses of going and facing something new, but not Joshua. He know what would have to be faced. The many enemies and strongholds that would have to be destroyed, all the fighting along the way,  and not once did He look back to the wilderness. This man kept his eyes on The Lord. He believed the very Word of God: v:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you, nor forsake you. What stops us from receiving the  blessings of the Father. The answer is fear, self, doubt, and unbelief. The Lord says to be strong and very courageous, to adhere to the Word of God, meditate on it day and night, and to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Fear is a stronghold that keeps Christians from entering the promises of God. The Lord  mentions "Courage and Be Strong" three times, because it takes both Courage and Strength to stand and face what the Lord has set before us. Your ways shall be prosperous when you begin to Believe in, and trust in the Word of God. v:9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wheresoever you go. Praise the Lord!