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Having the courage to obey God means that even in the midst of life's challenges you are able to face them fearlessly, firmly and calmly in your spirit. But often we struggle with this. Sometimes we resist because of what obeying God commands and requires of us. In a relationship where it looks like nothing is going to change, one may say "I want out," but God says "No way." Or when God allows us to face other tough situations like rejection or verbal assault, obedience is often times very difficult.

How do you handle situations where God is calling you to be obedient, but yet it goes against the grain? It goes against what the world may say? Do you give in to the pressure and risk being disobedient to God? Do you poll your friends for advice? Do you pray? Do you go to God's Word? I suppose I've been tempted to do all of the above and have been guilty of trying all of them. However, it is my desire to honor and glorify God with my life and therefore praying and meditating on His word are the best choices when faced with the question of obedience. God knows that to obey Him, courage is necessary. I believe that is why He gives us so many examples of courage in the Bible.

Joshua is a perfect example. He became a man of great courage. God asked Joshua to take the place of Moses, the only leader the Israelites had known. He told Joshua to lead the Israelites, a group of people with little or no fighting experience, to invade a land of enemy nations. And the hardest part of all was that God was requiring Joshua to do what Moses had failed to do – to lead the rebellious Israelites into the Promised Land they had been unable to enter 40 years before.

What did God give Joshua so he could become courageous? In Joshua 1, verses 7 and 8 God gave Joshua a guide for his life. Read His word - trust His word - meditate on His word - in doing so, Joshua would be prosperous and successful. God also gave Joshua a strategy for victory over his enemies. And most importantly, God gave Joshua His loving presence.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

We too have these: the Word of God gives us the strategy and command for living the Christian life; Jesus' life illustrates them; the Holy Spirit lives within us, teaches us God's way and empowers us. If we obey, then God will enable us to be strong and courageous like Joshua.

In light of the world we live in today, I know many of us struggle with being obedient to God. Why did He call me to be single? Why did He cause this relationship to end? Why has He asked me to do this thing that I know others won't understand? Why? Why? Why?

Well I've learned the "why?" questions never get answered. Perhaps the day I stand before Jesus I might get the chance to ask Him… but I doubt that it will be that important when the day comes. So instead of wasting time asking "why," I'm concentrating on reading His word, trusting His word and meditating on His word. I stake my life on the verse in John 8:31-32 that says, To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

God's truth really does set you free and give you the courage to be obedient.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin