When the children of Israel are told to take the promised land by faith, God speaks a very wonderful word to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Interestingly enough God has to tell Joshua this not only once, but multiple times.
In Joshua 1:6, 1:7, and 1:9 God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous.
Verse 6 to be strong and of good courage for God promised to give his fathers a land of inheritance
Verse 7 to be strong and very courageous to observe the law and obey God’s word
Verse 9 to be strong and of a good courage, to not be afraid and dismayed, because the Lord God is with him wherever he goes
While God spoke directly to Joshua in this verses its not the only time God was speaking this word of encouragement to him. Back in Deuteronomy, Moses was commanded by God to encourage Joshua multiple times and even speaks these very words to him. Deuteronomy 31:7 and Deuteronomy 31:23. Also assuming its still his brethren speaking in Joshua 1:18 God also speaks this word through them to Joshua.
Joshua is a warrior and seemingly fearless in the spiritual conquest of taking the promised land, but even before any of that began, he needed much encouragement. Like Joshua you know the word of the Lord and all the promises that belong to you. You know its a day of spiritual conquest and that by faith all the giants will be driven out. However like Joshua it seems the closer the day comes to take action, the more need there is for encouragement. If Joshua needed the constant encouragement, so do we.
When you are converted, strengthen your brethren.
Death to Self Devotional 