Living Water #703

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 704 || 7TH MAY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS

Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:7

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."

After commanding Joshua to arise and lead Israel into the Promised Land, God gave him the secret to successful leadership. Joshua was about to face fortified cities, experienced armies, and enormous responsibilities. Humanly speaking, he had every reason to be afraid. Yet God did not promise that there would be no challenges; instead, He commanded Joshua to be strong, courageous, and obedient. This verse teaches us that true success is not determined by our abilities or circumstances but by our courage to trust God and our commitment to obey His Word.

1. Strength Is a Divine Requirement for Every Assignment: "Be strong and very courageous." God knew that the journey ahead would demand more than physical strength; it would require spiritual and emotional resilience. Joshua had already witnessed the failures of the previous generation, the death of Moses, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. God's command to be strong was not an invitation to rely on self-confidence but to draw strength from His presence and promises. Every God-given assignment will present obstacles that test our faith, but those who depend on God receive the strength to overcome challenges. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to move forward despite fear because God is with us.

2. Courage Must Be Accompanied by Obedience: "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you." God connected courage with obedience because boldness without submission to His Word can lead to failure. Joshua was not free to lead according to his own wisdom or preferences. His success depended on carefully following God's instructions. Likewise, believers are called to live according to God's Word even when the world encourages compromise. Obedience demonstrates our trust in God, and every act of obedience positions us to experience His guidance, protection, and blessing. True courage is seen in choosing God's way even when it is difficult.

3. Do Not Compromise the Truth: "Do not turn from it to the right or to the left." God instructed Joshua to remain focused on His Word without deviation. Turning to the right or the left symbolizes compromise, distraction, and departing from God's standard. Throughout life, many voices will attempt to pull us away from God's truth through temptation, fear, public opinion, or personal ambition. However, spiritual success requires steadfastness. Just as a traveler reaches his destination by staying on the correct path, believers fulfill God's purpose by remaining faithful to His Word. Consistency in obedience keeps us aligned with God's will and protects us from unnecessary failures.

4. True Success Comes Through God's Principles: "That you may be successful wherever you go." God's definition of success differs from the world's definition. The world often measures success by wealth, fame, or influence, but God measures success by faithfulness, obedience, and the fulfillment of His purpose. Joshua's victories would not come simply because he was a skilled leader but because he walked according to God's instructions. When we prioritize God's kingdom, integrity, and righteousness, He directs our paths and enables us to prosper in ways that honor Him. Lasting success is built on obedience rather than shortcuts.

5. God's Promise Extends to Every Area of Life: "Wherever you go." God's promise was not limited to one battle or one location; it covered every place Joshua would lead the people. This reminds us that God's guidance is not seasonal but continual. Whether we are serving in ministry, leading a family, building a business, pursuing education, or facing personal challenges, God's principles remain effective. His presence accompanies those who trust and obey Him, giving them wisdom and strength for every new season. When we remain faithful to God, we can move into the future with confidence, knowing that He goes before us.

Joshua 1:7 teaches us that God's path to success begins with strength, courage, and unwavering obedience. God did not promise Joshua an easy journey, but He promised that faithfulness to His Word would lead to success. The same principle applies to believers today. We are called to be courageous in faith, steadfast in obedience, and unwavering in our commitment to God's truth. As we trust Him and walk according to His Word, He will direct our steps, strengthen our hearts, and establish the work of our hands.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be strong and courageous. Help me to place my confidence in You rather than in my own abilities. Give me a heart that delight in obeying Your Word and keep me from turning away from Your truth. Strengthen me to remain faithful in every season, and lead me into the success that comes from fulfilling Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.