"Be strong and courageous" *Translated*

Ljuan shared an interesting insights in his post “Be strong and courageous”, so it would be a waste if it is not translated for our English-speaking friends.

I am not good at translation, hope this helps:



[What I have written below is my personal opinion]

Recently after I read the book of Joshua, I feel like sharing some thoughts.

I always feel that we can link ourselves with the Israelites due to certain similarities we share. For example, we, as Malaysian Chinese, are just like them. We are considered as “second-class” citizen when our ancestors migrated from home country to settle down in Malaysia. In the book of Joshua, the Israelites departed Egypt to Jericho, this is just like us when we left Malaysia (temporarily) to Singapore.

I feel that God is using the book of Joshua to speak to me.

Consider this: what does God want to tell us before we come to Singapore? In the book of Joshua, God told Joshua: “Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them” (Joshua 1:2), God is asking us to “get ready”. Now I understand why I am facing so many difficulties here, it is because I have not “get ready”, He wants to take me across Selat Tebrau (the straits between Singapore and Johor), but I am not ready.

“Be strong and courageous”. This phrase appears in the same chapter for 3 times. When there is repetition in the Bible, it means that God is really emphasizing those words. Take us for example, when we want to emphasize about certain information, we would normally apply a underline, bold, CAPITALIZE, or even ALL IN ONE. Maybe there were no such techniques available in ancient times, so repetition method is used.

Why does God keep telling us to “Be strong and courageous”? This is because as our Creator, He understands us the best. I do not know about you, but there are many times I am faithless and feel like a loser, I just want to give up and quit. When I read the phrase “Be strong and courageous”, it is like God is telling me ”Come on, you can do it.” He already knows my weaknesses and also how faithless will I become when the going gets tough, that’s why this verse is repeated to encourage me.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Running away is not an option. The way of a conqueror is to step out boldly and face the giants. If God is with us, who can be against us?

“Be strong and courageous”

-Ljuan-



That’s all folks, pardon my translation skill and hope you are blessed! Have a nice day! More postings please!