Strong & Courageous?

Yesterday, one of my favorites--Bianca Olthoff--tweeted "God didn't tell Joshua to be 'safe and comfortable' or 'mediocre and average.' He said to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Just like we should be." To which a follower responded "Joshua's job was to wage war to capture a foreign land. How does 'strong and courageous' apply to a dull life of TPS reports?"

But, really, how? I think his question is valid. Let's be honest, the majority of us are not leading soldiers into battle. A majority of us aren't facing danger everyday. So how are we to be strong and courageous in the mundane?

This question, when it's boiled down, plagues us in every day life. How are we to do anything great or radical for God when our life is so average? (*brief connected segue*) We see this same question when we ask how we are to live on mission. In the same way we ask "I'm just an ordinary person living an ordinary life, how do I live as a missionary for God" we think and question how we can be courageous and strong when we're ordinary. But the thing is, God calls the ordinary. He uses the ordinary. He uses the monotony of life. (*Ends all talk of missional living in this post*)

God has called us--everyday, ordinary people--to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Every day when we make the decision to stand up for what's right, to push back against the temptation to sin, to take a stand in the spiritual battle that's being waged all around us, to show love to those that are difficult to love, we are being strong and courageous.  

Strength and courage don't only belong to people on the battlefield. Or in high danger jobs. We can be strong and courageous in the monotony of life. Ultimately, strength and courage don't really depend on where we are or what we do occupationally, but rather Who we follow.  So then, be strong and courageous in whatever and wherever.

"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 Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)."