Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Big Shoes to Fill -- Joshua 1

Joshua had one of the most difficult tasks imaginable - he had to replace Moses as Israel's leader and lead them into God's promised land. Talk about filling big shoes!

God knew this would be difficult. Joshua might have doubts. So he issues a repeated command "Be strong and courageous." Easy to say, hard to do. But God also gave Joshua some great encouragements.

  • God would be with Joshua (Joshua 1:5, 9).
  • Joshua would succeed (Joshua 1:6)
  • If Joshua carefully obeyed the law and meditated on it regularly, he would be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:9)
  • Even the people encouraged Joshua and pledged to follow his leadership (Joshua 1:16-19)

You are not Joshua, but you have similar promises (Matthew 28:18, Psalm 1). When you have big shoes to fill, a big job to do, or you just aren't sure you can do what God asks; remember, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)