The confirmation that Joshua heard God’s Word was evidenced not so much by what he said as by what he did. As he purposefully transitioned from the “what he needed to do mentality” to the “what God had made Him to be reality,” (strong and courageous) Joshua was positioned to respond.

His first course of action was rallying the troops. Once gathered with the people, Joshua reminded them of Moses’ command to possess the land. Then as a telltale sign of the people’s allegiance to their new leader, they responded by saying:

“We will obey you [Joshua] just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. [And the people sealed their pledge by repeating Joshua’s charge back to him!] So be strong and courageous.”

Crossing The Jordan

Leading the Israelites safely into the promised land was an overwhelming success. On this historic day, the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry land! Yahweh made Joshua great in the eyes of the people, and they put their trust in Him.

This initial triumph was only the first of many for Joshua. During his reign as Israel’s leader, the Spirit of God worked powerfully through him subduing enemies, conquering kings, overtaking cities, bringing down walls, and my personal favorite, commanding the sun to stand still!

Leaving A Legacy

Joshua wholeheartedly served the Lord throughout his lifetime. He courageously led the nation of Israel for fifty-two years, dying at 110 years young! His entire life was marked by faithfulness, fearlessness, and fruitfulness. The greatest tribute to his leadership, however, was not his amazing feats, although there were many. Instead. it was the legacy he left as a man fully devoted to God.

The people of Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him-those who had personally experienced all that the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua 24:31 NLT

Life-Giving Words

I can only imagine how many countless times during Joshua’s reign as Israel’s leader that he reflected upon God’s initial charge to him. I envision him reciting God’s command out loud to himself before every battle, when facing opposition, and with every step forward towards the promised land.

God’s life-giving words to Joshua became for him an unseen mission statement, empowering him to fulfill his mission. He fearlessly yielded to God’s call, accepting the massive assignment of leading the people to a new and better place, a home of their own, a promised land! He never wavered in commitment, living long and finishing strong!

Impossible Made Possible

The impossible all became possible for Joshua simply because he believed that God was who He said He was, a God of miracles, power, and might. The secret to his success was not in his strength, but rather in his surrender.

Joshua, son of Nun, the faithful assistant to Moses, was transformed into the fearless leader of Israel, not because of anything he had ever done or would do. Instead, it was because of what he had become,

STRONG & COURAGEOUS.

Extend grace to others!

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Pray

Father God, thank you for the inspiring faith stories of real-life people included in Holy Scripture. As I read the story of Joshua, I am encouraged and challenged to realize that the impossible is made possible through ordinary people who believe you to work powerfully through them for your purposes. Forgive me for the times I strive on my own rather than trust you alone. Thank you for reminding me, that in you and because of you, I am strong and courageous. I love you forever, Amen.

Community Question of the Week

What specific scriptural promises have been most influential in strengthening and encouraging you in your faith journey? Encourage others with your response HERE!

Worship

Do The Impossible – Travis Cottrell