Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” Joshua 10:25, NIV
God believes in intermittent repeated review and drill in order to teach an objective. Have you ever noticed that when God wants to give you a message, He will tell you the same thing in several different ways, often using different people or circumstances to share the exact same lesson?
In the Bible, the great Hebrew leader, Joshua, is told multiple times to be strong and courageous. Moses told him to be strong and courageous when he was in a crowd with many Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:1-6). Moses then did some private tutoring. He pulled Joshua up in front of his classmates and personally told him to be strong and courageous once again (Deuteronomy 31:7).
After Moses, Joshua’s teacher, died, God Himself had a little chat with Joshua, telling him to be strong and courageous. He told Joshua this two times (Joshua 1:6). Joshua was then given some “hands-on” cooperative learning group activities (battles) in order to practice the concepts he had been taught. He led the army of Israel into the Promised Land. He saw the walls of Jericho fall. He had to deal with sin in his own camp, which caused him to fail an assignment: to lose a battle (Joshua 7). He saw many of his fellow Israelites become discouraged and flee a battle (Joshua 7:5). In the midst of this, God told Joshua once again to be strong and courageous (Joshua 8:1). Again, more review and more practice. Joshua asked God for a miracle during one particular battle, and God granted it. The Lord sent large hailstones down upon the enemy and also made the sun stand still in the sky.
Joshua not only learned the lessons of strength and courage God taught him, but he also began to teach these same lessons to others. He called the Israelite leaders out to stand on the necks of five enemy kings his army had captured. What did Joshua tell these Israelite leaders? Of course, “Be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 10:25)
Educators, God wants to tell you: “Be strong and courageous in your professional life in education. There is a spiritual war going on in your school and nation for the minds, bodies, and souls of the youth you serve. In this battle, follow me as did Joshua. Inquire of me as did Joshua. Be strong and courageous.”
Lord, help us win the spiritual battles in our professions. Lead us. Impart to us strength and courage. Amen.
Copyright Don Clark.
Don is a retired elementary special education teacher. He faithfully served for many years as the Houston area director for Christian Educators.
