Strength and Courage in Faith

 Joshua 1:1–9; Ephesians 6:10–20

This church is a proud possessor of two medieval helmets, until recently displayed in the Museum of London. They are part of funerary armour, the decoration of the tomb of a nobleman or knight to show his rank. Helmet and armour – protective clothing - are not just a thing of knights on chargers, but a feature of warfare up to our own day.

Tonight our readings lead us from the physical protection of armour, to the spiritual protection of the ‘whole armour of God’ in the spiritual battles we fight as we find strength and courage in the Lord.

And Lent is a good season to do this in, because it is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal - it is a journey that invites us to examine our hearts, to strip away distractions, and to draw closer to God.

In our first reading from the book of Joshua the Israelites poised on the threshold of the Promised Land. Moses, their revered leader, has died, and Joshua stands before a daunting task. God’s command to Joshua is clear: ‘Be strong and courageous.’ Not once, but three times, God repeats this charge, knowing the weight of fear and uncertainty that can settle in the hearts of His people. Joshua is told, ‘Do not be frightened, or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

For Joshua, courage was not merely a matter of personal resolve or bravado. It was anchored in the faithfulness of God - His promises, His presence, and His Word. Joshua is instructed to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, to let God’s Word shape his actions and decisions. This is the foundation of true strength: a life rooted in relationship with God, nourished by His guidance, and sustained by His presence.

As we journey through Lent, we too may face challenges that shake our sense of security. Perhaps there are anxieties about the future, regrets from the past, or struggles in the present that weigh heavily on our spirits. The call to ‘be strong and courageous’ is not a demand to ignore our fears, but an invitation to trust that God is with us in every circumstance. It is an assurance that His grace empowers us to step forward, even when the way is unclear.

St Paul picks up on a similar theme, to a Church that both faces physical martyrdom and spiritual attack. He urges those early Christians to ‘be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.’ He reminds them that their battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that seek to undermine faith, hope, and love. Paul’s description of the ‘armour of God’ is vivid and practical: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit - which is the Word of God. These are not mere metaphors, but vital tools for living faithfully in a world fraught with temptation and adversity.

In Lent, the call to put on the armour of God is particularly resonant. As we fast, pray, and give, we are invited to clothe ourselves with Christ - to lay aside distractions and fix our hearts on Him. Truth protects us from deception; righteousness shields us from shame; faith defends us against doubt; salvation guards our hearts; and the Word of God equips us to stand firm. Prayer, Paul tells us, is essential - ‘pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.’ Through prayer, we draw strength from the One who has overcome the world.

The message of both Joshua and Paul is not simply to be strong, but to be strong in the Lord. As the psalm says, ‘The Lord is my strength and my salvation, whom then shall I fear’ (Psalm 27.1) Strength and courage are God’s gifts, cultivated in the soil of faith and nurtured by His Spirit. As we surrender our weaknesses and anxieties to Him, we find ourselves transformed, able to face the unknown with hope, to resist evil with conviction, and to love others with compassion.

This Lent, let us heed God’s call: Be strong and courageous. Let us meditate on His Word, arm ourselves with His truth, and pray with perseverance. Whether we stand at the edge of new beginnings or confront struggles that test our resolve, we can trust that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. May we journey through Lent strengthened by His presence, equipped for every challenge, and inspired to be a people of faith, hope, and love.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, as you spoke to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous, we pray for your steadfast spirit to dwell within us. Grant us the strength to face every challenge with unwavering faith, knowing that you are with us wherever we go. As we begin this new week with its promise and challenge, clothe us with the full armour of God, so that we may stand firm against all trials and temptations. Let truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation guard our hearts and minds, and may your Word be our guiding light. Help us to pray earnestly and remain watchful, trusting in your promises and walking boldly in your love. Amen.

So let us bind ourselves to the strong name of the Trinity as we pray the Grace.

The grace…