No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
Joshua 1:5-6 (ESV)
In Israel’s history, few people rival the significance of Moses. He confronted Pharaoh, led the people out of Egypt, through the sea, and to Sinai. He was the liberator, lawgiver, covenant mediator, and voice of God to Israel for 40 years. And he was now gone.
And Joshua, Moses’ long-time assistant, had been chosen to take up the mantle of leadership. He had some awfully big shoes to fill. It would be natural to feel like the task given to him was just too big. And it was a monumental task. To conquer Canaan and drive out the giants who lived there.
Be Strong and Courageous
But before Israel crossed the Jordan to begin that conquest, God had a little pep talk with Joshua. God told him, “I’ve got your back.” Joshua would not be alone in leading the people. No one would be able to stand against him because God would be with him. And under his leadership, Israel would inherit the land promised to them.
God later told Joshua to be careful to follow the law given through Moses, obeying it fully. Doing so would guarantee success in what he was called to do. But three times in this “pep talk,” God told Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” He had nothing to worry about. He could face all the giants and other challenges head-on because God was with him and would guarantee his success.
I am far from being strong and courageous. My natural instinct is to run from danger and conflict. But what God said to Joshua, he says to all of those who serve him: “Be strong and courageous.” We do not need to fear the giants. We only need to trust God. He is bigger than any giant we might face. I need only be faithful to him and his calling, and leave the rest up to him.
