Be Strong and Courageous

As we conclude the narrative of Moses's life in this week's Torah Portion, Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ (And He Went), based on Deuteronomy 31:1-30, we hear these words proclaimed over the people and over his predecessor Joshua:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

It is a message that did not precede peaceful times. It was a message of hope given despite the challenges that were ahead. Moses knew that war was at hand and that they would face countless battles against foreign nations who did not know or honor Adonai, our LORD. As the people would come into the land promised by God, he knew that the people would have to battle and take the land by force. Adonai knew that the people would tremble and fear the trials to come. The Israelites would face nations with greater structures, greater military might, greater numbers, and even greater technology. They would be facing nations that had Nephilim beings (giants and hybrids) who brought fear to everyone surrounding them by their very sight. Yet, the words given to Moses as a message to the people were not to fear, but to trust in the LORD who would go before them and would deliver the victory into their hands.

We often forget that these "stories" were literal and how intimidating they would have been if they did not have the LORD by their side. These encounters that the nation faced were not mythological or fictitious. They were terrorizing. Yet, as they conquered these battles over and over again, their confidence in Adonai continued to grow.

It isn't so different for us today. We are given words of encouragement through scripture all the time. We have full access to all the promises and virtues that the LORD has to offer in ways that we often neglect. Not many have had the privilege to receive His Word so completely and so available as we have today. Yet, it seems that more Christians are living in defeat than in victory. More and more Christians are living in fear of the uncertainties of the future.

It isn't always easy to put these promises into practice as we face our own daily obstacles. However, it has been my experience that when you do move by faith and you do trust Him fully, your faith and strength grow stronger day after day. As you experience small victories, you begin to believe deeper and face bigger challenges that you thought were impossible to overcome. Like a muscle, our faith needs to be exercised and put into practice. Then you will realize that the road seems a little less stressful, and your confidence will become ever so stronger. The battles will never cease. I personally had a very difficult days the past week. It was difficult, yet I did not dismay, and I am still here. Not because I'm superhuman, but because I rely and trust in Him. I'm still standing on His promises, and I'm still believing for the overall victory that I've been promised through Christ.

Moses anoints Joshua and encourages him to move forward and conquer the land.

My encouragement to you today is the same that Moses offered his people that day. Words Moses gave, knowing that it was his last day on this earth:

"Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Whatever the promise you were given, know that He is faithful to grant you victory. Even if you do not have a specific promise, the Word of God has multiple promises our Father extends to all His children. So, strengthen yourselves and bring forth your conviction by trusting Him and acting accordingly (faith without works is dead. Make sure your actions reflect your beliefs). If you choose to do that, you will see the glory of God. I love you all and wish you a blessed week. Shalom Ve'Shavuah Tov.