Joshua 1:9 Be Strong and Courageous for New Territory

Learn how to be strong and courageous and more ways to respond when God gives you new territory. Use these secrets from Joshua 1:9 and more for success!

I was scared.

I looked out the large window up at the great sky not wanting to miss the way the early morning sky looks. It makes me feel like I’m looking up to God’s face. So I started talking to Him, which is what I usually do next after soaking in the view for a moment. 

“Are You sure You want me to do this?”

He knew what I meant. God had laid a new venture on my heart long ago, but I hadn’t made the next move yet. All I seemed to do—for months—was stand at the threshold and stare into the vision of the new territory. 

That famous quote “Courage is not the absence of fear…” came to mind. Then God’s command to Joshua to “Be courageous.” That’s when I knew:

I had to “do it scared.” When I choose to live yielded to God, He equips me with what I need to obey Him. In this case, He provided courage.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

— Winston Churchill

5 Things to Do When God Gives You New Territory 

Right then, I looked up Joshua’s story. The command to be strong and courageous was for me that day. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV

So I gave myself a pep talk from this verse and wrote it all down.

5 Insights from Joshua 1:9

1. Be strong. When I want to cower under the pressure of what is bigger than me, or the threat of being hurt or disappointed again, I have to be strong. It’s a choice. But that choice can come easy when I know Who my source of strength is. 
2. Be courageous. What does it mean to have courage? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Hmm, mental strength. There’s another reason to renew my mind: so I will be courageous.
3. Do not fear. God says not to be afraid of what He’s called me to do. He doesn’t call me to something I can do in my own strength anyway! So I know that this is just an assignment, not eternity. Just do it already! (Anyone else give yourself a pep talk like this?)
4. Don’t be dismayed. In other words, don’t be so filled with fear that I’m broken down and can’t do anything. Kind of like what I’ve been doing. Why? Because He promised more…
5. Remember God is with me. He’s going along. He’s not leaving me to do this work alone. He’s right there giving strength and direction as I venture into new territory. 

Be Strong and Courageous Just One More Time Please

God knew how Joshua felt when He gave Him new territory. That’s why He told him to “be strong and courageous” not once, but seven times! I guess he needed to hear it that many times:

• Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses said it to all Israel (Joshua was there)
• Deuteronomy 31:7 Moses to Joshua in the sight of all Israel
• Deuteronomy 31:23 Moses to Joshua during his inauguration
• Joshua 1:6 God directly to Joshua
• Joshua 1:7 God directly to Joshua a second time
• Joshua 1:9 and a third time, God directly to Joshua
• Joshua 1:18 Israelites to Joshua

Wow, right? 

What Else to Do When God Gives You New Territory

How to Move

When I think of how to move forward into new territory, I think I’d like to move with caution since I’ve never been there before now. I don’t know what it looks like yet. So unless God says otherwise, move:

• Slow
• Watchful
• Careful
• Deliberate

In order for you and me to do that, we must remember where confidence comes from in the first place. People think confidence is only exhibited by those who are bold and move fast, but it takes confidence to move slowly with carefulness.

Remember God’s Favor 

As a child of God, remember that you are loved by Him from before time began (Matthew 25:34). You have His favor! This will help you be strong and courageous! Here are some verses on that:

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12 NKJV

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 ESV

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Psalm 30:5 NLT

Remember the bucketload of blessings God promised His people in Deuteronomy 28 when you obey Him? A few to keep in mind when God gives you new territory are:

• Verse 3: God’s blessings aren’t restricted by your location
• Verses 8 and 12: God blesses the work of your hand
• Verse 10: He will cause others to see that you are God’s

“The first habit of highly blessed people is obedience.” — Joe Thompson

Rest in the Balance

Usually new territory means more or different responsibilities, which can often mean more of your time is spent carrying them out. There needs to be a balance with it all. 

Rest is important. The first person you need to take care of is yourself because if you’re not healthy then you won’t be able to take care of those responsibilities. The Holy Spirit will help you walk in balance.

God Will Help You Be Strong and Courageous

When God gives you new territory, He will help you get established. It takes time to get established when embarking into new territory, vision, or positions.

So you don’t have to worry that you’re behind. No, you’re right where God wants you. 

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NLT

If God’s been talking to you about doing something new, then He knows you have the spiritual maturity to handle it when He says to begin. Be strong and courageous enough to keep moving forward. Continue to use His wisdom and be flexible. Keep fear from getting a foothold. Persevere with faith and patience. 

God is with you in this new territory. And He’s with me. That new venture is going just fine. 

What verse(s) do you like to go to when God gives you new territory? What new venture has God laid on your heart? Will you use these tips to be strong and courageous? Share in the comments below, and I will lift you up in prayer.

An inspirational reminder of this post is in Insider Resources. Don’t have access? Get it here.

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