After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses … Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’” Joshua 1:1-3, 9-11 NIV
Moses was the only leader Joshua had ever known. He was the only leader the people had ever known. His record was more than impressive. He split the Red Sea at God’s command. Water came from a rock when he struck it to quench the travelers’ thirst in the desert. His love for the people was so great that when God was angry over their disobedience and dishonor, Moses begged God to forgive them. His anguish for them was so deep he told God, “If you can’t forgive them, blot my name out of your book, not theirs.” What a man! Even more than all the miracles God worked through him, Moses was so close to God, God spoke with him face to face.
But, as comes to all men, Moses died. Who was going to lead now? Who could ever take Moses’ place? God had a plan. He always does. He called Joshua. Joshua who had no miracles on his list of accomplishments. Joshua who was much younger than Moses. He didn’t offer the job to Joshua. He called Joshua to do the job, laid out what Joshua was to do (cross the Jordan River with the people of Israel and conquer it), and then reminded him that He, God Himself, had commanded Him.
Fortunately, God’s commands are always accompanied by His promises and provision. He promised Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went. But nothing would matter unless and until Joshua acted courageously before he saw God’s provision. The miracles would happen as he moved, as he stepped out in obedience.
And that’s what happened. Joshua wasn’t Moses, but God was still God. He was with Joshua as He was with Moses – faithful to every word.
Faith acts courageously when God calls. It’s more than simply believing. It is stepping forward in confidence, acting on the call.
- God often calls us out of our comfort zone to do things beyond our abilities and experience. But He always equips and supplies when we act in courageous faith.