Stepping Out in Faith

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“Be Strong and Courageous” – Joshua 1

Dear Friends, Joshua chapter 1 is a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people. Moses, the faithful servant who had led Israel for forty years, has died. The mantle of leadership now falls on Joshua, and the enormous task of taking the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land lies before him. At this critical time, God speaks directly and personally to Joshua with words that are full of both command and wonderful promise.

Three times in this chapter the Lord tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” This was not just a general encouragement — it was a divine command because the challenges ahead were immense. The people were many, the enemy nations were strong, and Joshua was stepping into very large shoes. Yet God does not leave him to face this alone. He gives him several powerful promises: every place Joshua’s foot would tread would be given to him, no enemy would be able to stand against him, and most importantly, “I will not leave you or forsake you” and “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Along with these promises comes clear instruction. Joshua is told to be careful to obey all the law that Moses had given, and to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night. True success and prosperity, God says, would come not from military strategy or human wisdom, but from wholehearted obedience to His Word. This is one of the clearest definitions of success in the whole Bible — not what the world calls success, but living in alignment with God’s will.

This chapter is filled with encouragement for every believer. Whenever we face a new challenge, a change in life, or a difficult task, we can take the same promises to heart. God has not changed. He still calls His people to be strong and courageous, not because of our own ability, but because He is with us.


Pause & Pray: Take time to read the whole of Joshua chapter 1, especially verses 5 to 9. Listen to God speaking to Joshua — and hear Him speaking those same words to you today. Then pray:

“Lord, thank You for the example of Joshua and for Your unchanging promises. When I feel weak, fearful, or inadequate for what lies ahead, help me to be strong and courageous because You are with me. Teach me to meditate on Your Word day and night and to obey it with all my heart. Thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I trust You for the days ahead. Amen.”

Verse to Remember: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

Question to Consider: Is there a situation, challenge, or new step in your life right now where you need to hear God’s words “Be strong and courageous”? How would consciously remembering that the Lord is with you change the way you face it this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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