Why God told Joshua to be Strong and Courageous Three Times

After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous three times in the same speech. (Joshua 1:1-9)

So why did God have to emphasize so strongly on Joshua being strong and courageous?

Joshua was Leading God's People

God told Joshua, "Be strong and courageous because to these people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their forefathers to give them. (Joshua 1:6)

Moses had died and God was now giving Joshua the responsibility of dividing the Promised Land between all the 12 tribes of Israel. As a result, He expected Joshua to be strong and courageous so that he could do this task effectively.

Therefore, if God has given you a job to do, you have to be strong and courageous so that you can also do it effectively. 

In some situations, you may find that when God has given you something to do, opposition will rise up to ensure that you do not do it. 

We can see a good example from Nehemiah who endured stiff opposition as he did what God had placed in his heart to do in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:12) which was to rebuild its walls. However, Nehemiah was strong and courageous and he finished leading the Israelites in the rebuilding process. To learn more read How to Know and Fulfill your Life's Purpose.

Joshua Was to Obey God's Laws

God told Joshua, "Be strong and very courageous so that you may do all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left so that you may prosper wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)

God wanted Joshua to obey all the laws and commandments that He had given Moses. As a result, He expected Joshua to be strong and courageous so that he could obey all of them without wavering.

Therefore, since God has already given you His commandments, you have to be strong and courageous so that you can obey them all. 

In some situations, you may find that when you are trying to obey God's commandments, temptations and tribulations will rise up to ensure that you do not. 

We can see a good example from Joseph who was tempted to commit adultery with Potiphar's wife when he was away from his family and friends after his brothers had sold him into slavery. However, Joseph overcame the temptation by fearing God for He asked, How can I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9) To learn more read We Are Not Ignorant of His Devices.

God would Be with Joshua

God told Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

God would be with Joshua wherever he went. As a result, He expected Joshua to be strong and courageous because He would always be with him.

Therefore, since God has already given you the same promise of being with you and never leaving you or forsaking you, you have to be strong and courageous wherever you go. 

In some situations, you may find that when you are trying to go somewhere, problems may arise to ensure that you do not go.

We can see a good example from Peter when Jesus told him to leave the boat and walk on the water towards Him. Peter started to sink when he saw the boisterous wind and begun to doubt for Jesus asked him "Why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31) However, if Peter had fixed his eyes and his faith on Jesus, chances are that he would have remained strong and courageous and continued walking on the water regardless of how boisterous the wind was. To learn more read, Matthew 14 Bible Study: Lesson on Walking on Water.