Joshua 1:9 Devotional

[Chad]

Moses had just spent forty years leading the Israelites through the wilderness. He was the only man to talk to God face to face (Exodus 33:11).* He was a great leader and man of God, but his time was up.* He was to pass the reins to a new leader who was to lead God’s people to the Promised Land.* This man was Joshua.* The first 9 verses of Joshua chapter 1 is comprised of God giving him a pep talk in preparation for his task.* As you read this, note that there is one thing that God mentions over and over.* We see that he says this for the third time in verse 9, “be strong and courageous”.* God doesn’t tell Joshua to take it slow and to pray over every little detail.* He doesn’t tell him to seek the council of five Godly men before he makes every decision.* He tells him to be “strong and courageous”.* God had already set in Joshua’s heart what he was to do and he wanted him to do it.

As a Christian, we can often spend much time trying to discern God’s will for our lives. This plays itself out in us stopping at every intersection in life to cast our lots or waiting for a voice from God.* How many times has God given us this pep talk and told us to be “strong and courageous” and we become timid and cowardly upon advice from those around us.* Remember, Joshua was one of two men who said God could help them take the promised land while the other 10 were afraid (Numbers 13:30).* God can call you to do great things as he did with Caleb.* Be strong and courageous today in your walk with the Lord.

How can you walk in greater boldness with the Lord and still maintain wise counsel? What will this look like in your life, or those around you?

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