You’ve probably heard the phrase “Win one for the Gipper.” It’s from the 1940 movie All American. It memorializes an actual halftime speech that took place in the Notre Dame locker room in 1928 when they were being beaten handily by the Army football team. Following the speech, Notre Dame went on to mount an unlikely comeback victory. Between the historical event and the movie, the phrase has lived on as a reference to countless other rallying speeches.
You may associate similar sentiments to a well-known phrase in the book of Joshua. “Be strong and courageous.” Many Christians have this quote in their house because it engenders that can-do, Gipper-speech attitude. While the sentiment is accurate, it may surprise you to learn that the Bible applies it to some unexpected situations.
The phrase’s best-known context is in Joshua as a recurring watchword given to him by God.
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. (Josh. 1:6)
And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (Josh. 10:25)
Joshua is known for his military conquests that were reinforced by God’s persistent message to be strong and courageous. It makes perfect sense that God would say this to Moses’ successor. Both Moses and Joshua had to lead thousands of people into unfamiliar lands and into numerous battles. That would take a lot of strength and courage!
The same language, however, is used by God in 1 Chronicles.
Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. (1 Chr. 22:13)
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. (1 Chr. 28:20)
In this context God encouraged Solomon to be strong and courageous in obedience. Solomon was a child when he took over David’s throne and the earliest admonishment was to bravely obey God. Like going into battle, the world may fight you when you take a biblically obedient stance. Don’t be intimidated. Be strong and courageous for He will not leave you or forsake you!
An even more surprising application is found in the psalms.
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Ps. 27:14)
Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! (Ps. 31:23–24)
Here the same language that was used for Joshua preparing for battle is used to remind you how you should respond to God requiring you to wait! It is appropriate to seek God’s guidance about the issues of life, but if the answer is “Wait,” then you must not fuss, whine or complain. How would you feel about a soldier that throws a tantrum prior to engaging in combat? The battle is real and the stakes are high, but frankly that kind of behavior is unbecoming. Likewise, it is unbecoming for the Christian that is required to wait on the Lord. Instead, acknowledge that in waiting you must be strong and courageous!
Another translation of the original language is “Act like a man!” That’s exactly how it is used in 1 Corinthians 16:13. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Pray that God would help you to be strong and courageous and to act like a man when it comes to diligently obeying His commands and patiently waiting on His perfect timing so that like Joshua, you will be victorious in battle!