Be Strong and Courageous: Joshua

   I would like you to picture a time where you may have had someone you looked up to leave you. Maybe they moved, left your organization, or they may have left this world. That person may have been a great leader. The person may have had great listening skills, was caring, loved others, and was a godly person. Imagine having to follow in the footsteps of that person. That’s exactly what Joshua had happen to him.

   Moses was a great leader for the Israelites. Did he make mistakes? Yes, but he did his best to follow God. He did his best facing many unknown challenges in Egypt and the wilderness. Then he died. A leader had to step up. Joshua was that leader. Joshua had some large shoes to fill. I imagine he was feeling scared or nervous. He not only had to lead these people, he also had to take the Promised Land for his people.

   Did Joshua fret? Did he believe he could not face the people of the Promised Land? Was he afraid of the unknown? We don’t know. What we do know is that God spoke to Joshua and encouraged him. Joshua 1:1-9 is where we first see God encourage Joshua. God tells Joshua that he will be with him and will never leave him. God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” 3 times in these 9 verses. God believes in Joshua and tells him not to fear because God is with him wherever he goes (Josh.1.9).

   Could you imagine having this pep-talk from God? Well you should, because God would do the same for you. He loves us and is with us. He sent his Son to die for us so that he could have a relationship with us. When we face hard challenges, God says to us “be strong and courageous.” When we have to step up and be a leader, God says “be strong and courageous.” When we feel alone, or face the unknown, God says to us “be strong and courageous.” He says that he is with us wherever we go.

   So, when you face the unknown will you trust in God? Do you believe that God is with you wherever you go?

   Image from here.