Good Courage and Good Success

After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and repeatedly encouraged him to "be strong and of good courage" because God would be with him wherever he went.  God said in Joshua 1:6-9, "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ 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."

It is interesting Joshua was exhorted to be of "good" courage.  This suggests there is a sort of courage that is not good, a courage not grounded in faith in the God who alone is good.  There is a courage that comes from a sense of duty and obligation as well as courage that springs from self-confidence.  There is a courage in the heat of the moment in a boost of adrenaline, and courage bold to take risks out of greed, pride and ambition.  The Philistines rallied when they heard the Ark of God had been brought into the camp of Israel, but their victory came because God delivered the Israelites into their hand.  Samson rose up with self-confidence to free himself and overcome his attackers, but courage in his own abilities was misplaced.  Good courage is that which throws itself wholly upon the LORD for strength, guidance and help to accomplish all God has commanded.  The Book of the Law which directed Moses to do God's will would also guide Joshua in his role ordained by God to lead the people into the land God promised to give them.

God revealed "good" courage was the path to prosperity and "good success."  Studying this passage in context reveals "good" success is not what a person fancies or desires but is directly tied to faith in God and doing His will.  Everyone is attracted to promises of prosperity and success because we often have selfish motivation with the primary aim to benefit ourselves.  People imagine prosperity to speak of monetary wealth and success means a favourable outcome for the desires of our hearts--which may have nothing to do with God, His plans, purposes or glory.  When Jesus was addressed as "good teacher," He responded in Mark 10:18:  "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God."  The only way we can have "good" courage and have "good" success is by faith in the Living God who is good.

The sure promises of God quickened Joshua to be strong and of good courage, and all who trust in Jesus Christ have the unshakable foundation provided in God's word.  Hebrews 13:5-6 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ⁶ So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"  Good success for Joshua was to fearlessly enter the land of Canaan and divide it according to God's direction, and good success for Christians is to live an abundant life of contentment without covetousness or the fear of man.  These strongholds in our hearts can be cast down by those who are strong and of good courage by faith in Jesus the Word of God, for He is good and glorious.  By faith and obedience to Jesus we will find our way prosperous because Jesus is the Way.