WITH GOD, YOU WILL WIN

Courageous Hearts: God's Call to Be Strong

WITH GOD, YOU WILL WIN

Bible Passage: Joshua 1:9

I would like to start by saying congratulations to our honorees today on this great accomplishment, on yet another milestone. All of the hard work, tests, trials, & long hours of study have paid off! Job well done! There were some who started out but they did not finish. But look at you, you made it! Not only did you finish, but you finished strong and we celebrate this great accomplishment with you. Your best days are ahead of you. You now are entering the beginning of a new beginning in each of your lives. Whatever lies ahead, I’ve come to remind you of this one thing, “With God, You Will Win!” While we live in a time of so much uncertainty, one thing remains the same, God never changes! No matter what you may face in the days ahead be strong and courageous for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of strength and bravery in facing challenges with God's presence. Just as God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into their promised land, rest assured that God is with you, and with Him you can face the various challenges in life without fear. Because with God, You will Win! As my Madea used to say, “Take the Lord with you everywhere you go! You sure are going to need Him!” I need to remind you today that the world you live, is quite different than the world your counterparts live in. Yes, the world that you live in, you will always have to work twice as hard as others and even then at times that won’t be good enough. You will have to succeed in spaces that weren’t created for you to thrive in but remember, with God, You will win. In the words of Shirley Chisolm, “If they won’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair!” But we also serve a God that prepares tables before us in the presence of our enemies. If they won’t invite you to their table, God will make you your own table! An Amen goes there! Just as God promised Joshua to give him the Promised Land, He’s made you a promise. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” With God, You Will Win! You see you were created a winner. When God made you he placed winning in your DNA! All you have to do is what it says in Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

So, as you both move from here to your next, when faced with the challenges of life that will come, I want you to remember three things.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Hebrew word 'chazaq' (to be strong) and its usage throughout the Old Testament in your Logos library. Look at how God’s promise of His presence is a recurring theme and how it relates to the New Testament teachings on courage, particularly in the context of Christ’s empowering presence in believers' lives.

1. Strength Starts Within

Joshua 1:9

There is nothing that you can not achieve that you set your mind to. Strength lies within. God did not give you a spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. Set goals for your life, keep God first and watch Him work. Paul says in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Although life’s challenges might seem tedious at times, God alone provides strength and the courage you need to make it.

2. Courage Conquers Fear

Joshua 1:9

At times we face enormous obstacles in life and it can cause us to question our own ability but we must remember that it’s not our own ability but the power that worketh in us! Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world. Courage is not the absence of fear, but it is rather the decision to act despite fear.

Once, a young boy wanted to climb the tallest tree in the park. His friends dared him, but he hesitated, fearing he might fall. A wise old man nearby encouraged him, saying, 'Courage isn't about not being scared; it's about doing what you want despite the fear.' The boy climbed the tree and saw the world from a new height, realizing that sometimes courage is just taking the first step towards something that seems daunting.

Joshua was tasked with a daunting mission, yet with God by his side, he could face it. With God, you too can face any mission that seems impossible. With God, You Will Win!

3. God's Guaranteed Presence

Joshua 1:9

God provides us with the assurance of His presence. Just as God promised Joshua that He was with him in the midst of transition and uncertainty, God is with us (you) in our life’s journey too. No matter the challenges or fears, we can take heart and find peace and strength knowing that we are not alone.

Imagine walking through a dark forest at night, feeling lost and afraid. Suddenly, you hear footsteps behind you. Your heart races, panic sets in—but then a warm light appears in the distance. You realize it’s a friend, leading you out of the darkness. God's presence is like that friend, illuminating our path even in life's darkest moments, reminding us we are never truly alone. He will always guide us with His light and love.

God calls us to be strong and courageous in our faith and daily lives because He is always with us, providing the strength we need to overcome our fears.

God consistently calls His people to rely on His strength, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who faced the ultimate challenge on our behalf and empowers us through the Holy Spirit.