God had significant plans for Moses’ successor, Joshua. Joshua went from being a slave in Egypt to becoming God’s leader of his people, the Israelites. Joshua demonstrated Godly courage that spanned from the time of the Egyptian exodus until Israel’s rest in the land God promised his people. Joshua was one of only two of the original Israelite spies with enough courage to trust God to conquer the Promised Land. His faith clashed with his fellow Israelites to the point where they talked about stoning him. Still, Joshua’s courage was unwavering.

Joshua had big shoes to fill in taking over leadership of the Israelites when Moses died. With God alone leading him, Joshua had to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, take over the entirety of the Promised Land, and then divide the Promised Land into tribal allotments.

God’s command to Joshua was to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua is a powerful demonstration of how God’s people can lead courageously when they transfer from trusting in themselves to trusting in God and his plan. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers find that, like Joshua, they are equipped with all that they need to confidently take on anything that the Lord puts before them.

Robby Kissling