HEALTHY CHURCH: Be Strong and Courageous
2023 is about to end, with the opportunity of a new year before us. What will your church do with the challenge to live courageously the principles and truths of God’s Word? Courage can be defined in many ways, but one definition by W. Phillip Keller is “the willingness to obey God regardless of personal cost.” That describes an unwavering obedience without compromise or hesitation. It is driven by fearing God more than fearing what man may think or do to you. Today’s world’s philosophy promotes self-development while the Scriptures teach self-denial. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices.
Spiritual growth and discipleship are summed up multiple times in the Scriptures by passing truth to the next leader, the next generation and the next believer. Jesus led by example in teaching and being with the 12 disciples. Paul poured into young men like Timothy and Titus. We have the example of Moses and Joshua. Psalm 78:3-4 talks about the things “Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
In Deuteronomy 31, Moses tells Joshua to be strong and courageous; he had nothing to fear because God would go with him. In Joshua 1:6, God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Joshua challenges the people with the same cry of courage, and they even respond to his challenge in verse 18 by restating it back to him, “Above all, be strong and courageous.” Moses’ leadership mantle had fallen on Joshua, and he was ready to do what God said and willing to put his life on the line for that obedience. Joshua believed what God said, and his faith led him to follow Him, believing He meant what He said.
• Let’s begin this journey of courage by praying dangerous prayers. In 21 Dangerous Prayers, author Gary Rohrmayer wrote, “Any encounter with a Holy God can be dangerous — not in a life-threatening way, but in a way that can be life-altering and soul-shaping. All too often, we pray safe prayers — God bless me, God help me, God protect me, God heal me and God provide for me. Dangerous prayers are risky and life-stretching. Dangerous prayers come out of a spirit of brokenness. Dangerous prayers are filled with boldness and daring faith.” What courageously dangerous prayers do you need to pray? Maybe Psalm 139:23-24 or Psalm 85:6-7?
• Make sure you lead courageously. Henry Blackaby stated, “Courage is the confidence that God is with you and will not forsake you.” Joshua was a man who knew what it was like to lose the vote in a business meeting, 10–2, and go against the prevailing consensus. God is more interested in your obedience to His commands than your pedigree, preferences or origins. You must lead with biblical convictions, even if that requires standing alone. Be courageous, but also be caring by empathizing with those struggling, realizing they are not ready to give up what they are clinging to so tightly.
• Lead courageously by pursuing those who are far from God, just like Jesus did. Courage will require not depending on what others are doing but instead choosing to do what God has called you to do. Have the courage to love like Jesus loved and to love what He loved. Be moved with compassion for those who are not following Him. Following Christ requires seeking His face and following His lead courageously. Godly courage is following Him in the midst of your fears. J.D. Greear said, “God does not call the brave; He makes brave the called!” Paul stated that he was in prison for the advance of the gospel.
• Have the courage not to become enamored or fixated on “bigger is better” but, instead, courageously disciple others. Discipleship is messy, hard and time-consuming, but well worth it. If you are not discipling, have the courage to repent. Begin leading your church by demonstrating what discipleship looks like. Remember, the speed of the leader is the speed of the team. Your success in discipleship does not depend on your history or heredity but rather upon your present obedience to the heavenly Father. Even if you were never discipled by others, refuse to use that as an excuse and begin discipling now.
• Courageously remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness. In Joshua 1:5, God reminded Joshua that Moses’ accomplishments were because of His presence. God promised to walk with Joshua the same way He walked with Moses. That is the same promise He is making to you in Matt. 28:20. No power can defeat the God who guides you. We tend to quickly forget times when God’s presence showed up powerfully in our lives. Do not be guilty of spiritual amnesia. Joshua remembered how they crossed the Red Sea on dry land, and, if you reexamine the path you have already traveled, you will see His presence and guidance.
Let our anthem for 2023 be Joshua 1:6, “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” God’s promises are true. Let’s have the courage to pray dangerous prayers, lead others courageously, love others outrageously, make disciples who make disciples and remember God’s faithfulness through the years.
What is God’s Word saying to you? Where is the Holy Spirit of God leading you? What actions of obedience do you need to obey courageously?
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Larry Barker
Director of Church Planting and Church Health Larry Barker submits a weekly column titled, Healthy Church Solutions, designed to strengthen and encourage the local church.
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