Four different times in this passage Joshua is admonished to "be strong and courageous." Three of these admonitions come from the Lord and one from some of the men he was to lead. It's no wonder he had to be reminded to take courage; he was being given the responsibility to lead the people of Israel as they entered the Promised Land to conquer the nations there and take possession of the land God had given them.

Joshua had been at Moses' side when the people had rebelled against him and had refused the Lord's leadership. Now he was called to lead these same people. What a daunting task he faced! It is telling that the third time God told him to be strong, he added, "Do not be terrified ... discouraged" (v. 9). Why not? - because the Lord promised to be with him wherever he'd go.

Whatever daunting tasks may come to us in our service to the Lord, we as believers can seek God for the courage we need to do all he asks of us. After all, we are given the same promise as Joshua received by none other than Christ himself:

" ... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b NIV).

Jim Jensen, Prophetstown, Ill.