“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Commanded
Currie commanded the Canadian Corps from June 1917 until its disbandment in late 1919. A militia officer and educator, Currie had never commanded anything larger than a regiment at the outbreak of war in 1914. He received a brigade command in the First Contingent and proved himself a capable organizer and training facilitator. During the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915, Currie’s brigade played a pivotal role in holding the Allied position. He rose to command the 1st Canadian Division in September 1915 and led it effectively for the next two years.
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There is so much in life that can be discouraging. Plans don’t come together, finances falter, loved ones face accidents or illness. For followers of Jesus, opposition can come, usually when we least expect it, and from the least expected places. We face spiritual and emotional battles that can quickly discourage us. As the people of Israel arrived on the eastern bank of the Jordan River and prepared to enter the Promised Land, the Lord knew that they would often have to deal with discouragement. They would face military enemies as well as the normal challenges that life brings. So, the Lord gives them this command and promise in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The command would be impossible without the promise of God’s abiding presence. We don’t have it within us to simply buck up and smile when the worst the world can muster comes our way. It is the abiding presence of Jesus Christ that encourages us to press on. He is with you.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley