Be Strong and Courageous

Kyle Kauffman

Joshua begins with the greatest change that the young nation of Israel has experienced so far. Their trusted and faithful leader who God used to bring them out of slavery and guide them through the wilderness is dead just as they are about to begin their greatest challenge so far: taking possession of the land God has promised to give them. A new leader whom God has chosen steps into the giant shoes Moses has left behind. Can he continue the legacy of Moses? Will he be successful in leading this people into the promised land? Or will this nation fall apart before it even has a chance to be established? As everything seems to be changing for Joshua and Israel, they are invited to place their confidence not in their leader or in themselves, but in God. Although Moses is dead, the same God who was with Moses and the people, who led them through the wilderness, who provided for their every need, and who promised to bring them into this land, is the God who is still with them in this moment. And He is the same God who is with us today amid all the changing circumstances of our lives. He invites us to place our confidence in Him and to find strength and courage for whatever we are facing today.

Joshua 1