God at Work in History (1): Joshua — Strong and Courageous
- 6 days ago
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"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)
For the past several weeks we have listened to Francis Schaeffer challenge Christians to stand faithfully for truth in an age of confusion. His message was timely because our culture often seems adrift—uncertain of what is true, what is right, and where hope can be found.
But Schaeffer's convictions did not begin in the twentieth century. They are rooted in the eternal Word of God.
As we begin a new Wednesday series, we return to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. Here we will discover that history is never merely a record of human achievements or failures.
It is the story of God faithfully accomplishing His purposes through imperfect people who trusted Him.
We begin with Joshua.
A New Leader for a New Generation
The opening words of the book are both solemn and hopeful.
"Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun..." (Joshua 1:1)
For forty years Moses had led Israel through the wilderness. He had stood before Pharaoh, received the Law at Sinai, and shepherded God's people despite their repeated failures.
Now Moses was gone.
Humanly speaking, the future seemed uncertain. How could anyone follow such a remarkable leader?
Yet God's work did not end with Moses.
God had already prepared Joshua.
Joshua had served quietly for years. He had fought Israel's battles, remained faithful when others doubted, accompanied Moses on the mountain, and trusted God's promises when ten of the twelve spies spread fear throughout the camp.
Now the time had come for Joshua to lead.
Every generation eventually faces this moment. Leaders pass from the scene, but the Lord continues His work.
God's kingdom does not depend upon one individual. His purposes endure because He Himself remains faithful.
"Be Strong and Courageous"
Three times in the opening chapter God repeats the same command:
"Be strong and of a good courage." (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9)
This was not because Joshua lacked faith. Rather, God knew the magnitude of the task before him.
The Jordan River still lay ahead.
Jericho's massive walls still stood.
Powerful enemies occupied the land.
Joshua would need courage—not because victory was uncertain, but because obedience always requires faith.
Biblical courage is not self-confidence. It is confidence in God.
The Lord did not tell Joshua to believe in himself. He told him to believe God's promises.
Our world often encourages us to look within for strength. Scripture points us somewhere far better.
Our confidence rests in the God who never changes.
The Secret of Joshua's Success
Many people imagine Joshua as a brilliant military commander. While he certainly possessed leadership ability, God revealed the true source of his success.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night... then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:8)
Before Joshua ever drew a sword, he was called to open God's Word.
Before leading an army, he was to submit himself to the authority of the Lord.
Success in God's eyes has never been measured merely by victories, wealth, influence, or popularity. True success begins with faithful obedience.
The strongest Christian is not necessarily the most gifted or the most accomplished. It is the one who delights in God's Word and seeks to obey it.
The Promise That Changes Everything
The greatest encouragement God gave Joshua was not military strategy or detailed battle plans.
It was His presence.
"I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Joshua 1:5)
Those words transformed everything.
Joshua would not face the future alone.
Neither do we.
Our circumstances may differ greatly from Joshua's, but God's promise remains wonderfully true. We encounter uncertain futures, difficult decisions, unexpected trials, and challenges that seem larger than our strength.
Yet the Lord who walked with Joshua walks with His people today.
When our courage begins to fail, His faithfulness does not.
When we do not know the next step, He already knows the path before us.
Looking Ahead
The Book of Joshua is a ststory of battles, victories, failures, renewal, and the fulfillment of God's ancient promises. Above all, it is the story of a faithful God who keeps His Word.
Over the coming weeks we will journey through these remarkable historical books together. We will meet judges, kings, prophets, courageous women, and ordinary believers through whom God accomplished extraordinary purposes.
As we do, may we remember the lesson of Joshua's first chapter:
Our confidence is never found in ourselves.
It is found in the God who calls us, goes before us, and promises never to leave His people.
May we hear His words afresh today:
"Be strong and of a good courage... for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)
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Father God, You are so Faithful in proparing men to build Your kingdom and spread the Gospel. Prepare me, I pary to be like Moses and Joshua, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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Soul, be strong, whatever betide;
God Himself is guard and guide;
With my Father at my side—
Never mind, never fear.
Clouds and darkness hover near;
Men’s hearts failing them for fear;
But be thou of right good cheer—
Never mind, never fear.
Stand in patient courage still;
Working out Thy Master’s will;
Compass good and conquer ill—
Never mind, never fear.
Music: Azusa J. W. Duncan, 1873 (🔊 ).
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