February 8, 2024

Joshua 1.5, 9 (NIV)
“I will never leave you nor forsake you. . . . Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Our strength does not lie in our own ability but in God’s supernatural ability.*

When my boss of 24 years retired, I was chosen to fill her position. She was a bit of a legend but she had been preparing me to take her place so it was not as intimidating a prospect as it could have been – I was equipped for the job.

Joshua was about to take on a daunting task – and Moses was a hard act to follow. It’s easy to see why Joshua might have been terrified and/or discouraged! Moses had been grooming Joshua to take his place as leader of the Israelites but Moses was not going to be around to mentor him. Joshua had something better: God’s promise that he would be right there with him. God was ensuring a smooth transition in the leadership of his people.

What a pep talk this is from God himself! Remember these words when you are tempted to be terrified of the future or discouraged about the present.

It’s not necessarily the giftedness of the leader that prompts God’s blessing; it’s more often the leader’s willingness to move when and where He indicates.*

EXTRA SPLASH: “It took 40 years for Joshua’s leadership style to match the need of the moment.”*