In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we are called to remember a powerful truth: we have full access to God's promises and His strength. This message of courage and faith echoes through the ages, from the time of Joshua to our present day.

The story of Joshua serves as a compelling reminder of what it means to step into God's calling with unwavering trust. As Moses' successor, Joshua faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The obstacles were many – fortified cities, hostile enemies, and the weight of following in the footsteps of a revered leader. Yet, God's command to Joshua rings clear: "Be strong and courageous."

This phrase, repeated multiple times in the first chapter of Joshua, wasn't just a casual encouragement. It was a divine imperative, a call to action rooted not in self-confidence, but in the promises of God. The Lord assured Joshua, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise of God's constant presence was the foundation upon which Joshua's courage was built.

But what does it mean for us today to "be strong and courageous"? It's about facing our fears head-on, stepping out in faith even when the path ahead seems uncertain. It's about recognizing that our strength comes not from our own abilities, but from our connection to the Almighty.

Consider the metaphor of ziplining across a mountain range. The fear of heights, the wind shaking the platform, the vast expanse below – all of these can paralyze us with fear. Yet, when we hear the voice of someone we trust saying, "I'm here for you," it gives us the courage to take that leap. In the same way, God calls us to trust His voice, to take that leap of faith, knowing He will catch us and guide us safely through.

This courage is not just about facing physical challenges. It's about confronting the spiritual and emotional giants in our lives. It's about battling both in the physical and spiritual realms, trusting that as we fight our visible battles, God is fighting the invisible ones on our behalf.

The key to accessing this divine courage lies in staying connected to God's Word. As Joshua was instructed, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Our success and prosperity in God's eyes are directly linked to our faithfulness to His Word.

This connection to God's Word gives us access to His wisdom, His plans, and His strength. It builds our faith and assures us of victory – not just in life, but even in death. As believers, we can face even our mortality with courage, knowing that in Christ, we are never alone.

However, this journey of faith is not without its challenges. Opposition often serves as an indicator that God is on the move in our lives. It's in these moments of resistance that our faith is tested and refined. The story of a pastor whose house burned down just six months after committing to ministry illustrates this point. Instead of giving up, he and his wife chose to establish a ministry in the rebuilt house. This act of faith in the face of adversity became the foundation for a thriving church community.

Sometimes, God's plans unfold in ways we least expect. A loading dock became the means for a church to minister to people in Puerto Rico and Chicago. Bathrooms built for one purpose became essential for another ministry entirely. These stories remind us that God's vision is often larger and more comprehensive than our own limited perspective.

As we face our own challenges, we must remember that opposition is not a sign of God's absence, but often an opportunity for His power to be displayed. It's in these moments that we must decide which side of the "asymptote" we will stand on – will we retreat in the face of difficulty, or will we cross over in faith, allowing God to take us further?

This journey of faith also requires honest self-reflection. We must be willing to look in the mirror and confront our own weaknesses, fears, and doubts. It's in acknowledging our limitations that we open ourselves up to God's limitless power. As one pastor shared, he looks in the mirror daily, admitting his weaknesses to God, but then declaring, "Not my will, but yours be done."

The promise of "full access" to God's power and presence comes with a caveat – it's contingent on our connection to Him. When we're connected, we have all access. When we're disconnected, we're limited. This truth challenges us to maintain a constant, vibrant relationship with God, staying rooted in His Word and attuned to His voice.

As we embrace this call to courage and faith, we're reminded that God often works in prophetic cycles. Just as He fulfilled His promises to Joshua and the Israelites, He continues to fulfill His promises in our lives today. The key is to remain faithful, even when we don't understand the full picture.

In conclusion, we are called to be a people of courage and faith, fully accessing the promises and power of God. We're challenged to face our fears, confront our weaknesses, and step out in obedience to God's call. As we do, we can trust that He is with us, fighting our battles, opening doors, and fulfilling His purposes in and through our lives.

Let us, therefore, be strong and courageous. Let us meditate on God's Word day and night. Let us trust in His presence and His promises. And let us step out in faith, knowing that we have full access to all that God has for us. In doing so, we'll discover that our lives can become testimonies of God's faithfulness and power, impacting not just our generation, but generations to come.

If this sermon spoke to you and you’re ready to explore it further, this study guide is for you! Inside, you’ll find key Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in your faith. Open it up, dig in, and let God’s Word transform your life!