My husband and I watch a show on Netflix called Heartland. The show is about a Canadian family who own a horse rehabilitation ranch. Admittedly, we are hooked! Even though we are about five seasons into the show we still watch the introduction. The beauty of God’s creation captured in these scenes is remarkable.

We are awestruck by the horses galloping through a meadow in the opening scenes. As they run through fields of green their manes flowing, their speed and perfectly sculpted muscles display their strength.

Horses seem to exude a confidence, a fluidity of movement and gentleness that is hard to explain with words. They demonstrate their strength in their galloping yet are able to be put under bit and bridle and continue to perform with power and might and maintain that same confidence.

Horses seem to know their purpose, and they step fully into it.

If I can be completely honest, there are days when I am fully confident in who God made me to be, and where He is calling me. And there are days when I am not confident at all. But God commands me to be courageous. He commands me to be strong.

Joshua 1:9 says, “This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Having sat with this verse for a time to reflect on it, God’s command for me, for us, got me thinking.

What would happen, if we, as believers, step fully into the purpose that God has for us? What if we live in confidence and strength. Would people around us, stop and watch how we work, how we live, just as we marvel at horses running through fields in all their majesty?

I believe when we, as his children, begin to recognize that He is with us, and there is nothing to fear, He will be glorified as we step fully into that confidence. When we recognize that courage and strength are a part of our DNA as his beloved those around us will see and know our God is able because we will have demonstrated our trust in Him and He will have demonstrated His strength in us.

My challenge to you today is that you take hold of these words, “This is my command – be strong and courageous!” Take heed, that courage and strength are not recommendations. God does not tell us courage and strength are not optional, nice-to-have’s. They are commanded to us and over us because God is with us.

Step fully into your purpose with confidence, strength and courage knowing full well God is with you wherever you go!