The Bible Course预览

Joshua, the call and the promise – be strong and courageous

Reflect:

Fear. We can’t seem to get past it.

Despite the so-called ‘progress’ of society, fear remains. Access to the news 24/7, scaremongering, and social media contribute to an atmosphere of fear that fills our world. Fear has become the backing track to our lives. Whether it's about finances, family, health, or stepping out into the unknown, we all feel fear. But fear doesn’t have to have the final word in your story …

What was the cause of Joshua’s fear in the story?

On the border of the promised land, Joshua knew it was far from being theirs. Moses, their leader, was no longer there, and Joshua knew he had large sandals to fill! But God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. He tells Joshua to be ‘strong and courageous’ (verse 6), to not be afraid (verse 9), and to take the land given to them (verse 3). Are these just empty words? God’s attempt at a pep-talk?

Joshua’s story shows us that God’s words are never empty. He does step up to lead the Israelites, and God fights their battles. The Bible is filled with unbreakable promises that mean we can have confidence and hope today, despite life’s challenges.

What promises does God make to Joshua? What do they mean for us today?

We often associate courage with the absence of fear. But true courage is not the absence of fear, it’s the resolve to continue onwards in spite of fear. Courage means holding on to something greater than the fear. Joshua had something greater to hold on to. And so do we.

God promises Joshua his presence will go with him. He promises to never leave him (verse 5). He promises success through obedience (verse 8) and victory in battle (verse 3). With God by his side, Joshua will not fail.

Likewise, with God at our sides, we don’t need to fear. God has shared the victory with us already in his son Jesus (1 Corinthians 15.57). However great your fear, however impossible your task, you can have courage today. The God of the Bible says to you, as he did to Joshua, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’

Respond

‘God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called.’ How can this truth encourage you today?