Joshua 1:9 is a popular passage in Scripture, and how could it not be? God’s promise to Joshua that He would be with him wherever he would go buoys us and gives us courage in every season, does it not? And even more so, the person and character of Joshua in the Bible is inspiring. Of the twelve men sent to spy on Canaan, only two men in Israel trusted God, and one of them was Joshua. You’ll remember from previous readings that many in the nation wanted to turn back to Egypt. Because of Joshua’s faith, he was allowed to enter the promised land when everyone else in his generation was barred from entering. He was also a great leader, clinging to the Lord in the face of many dangers, and he was chosen to succeed Moses.
For many of the great leaders of the Bible, we often wonder how we can learn from their stories, their faith, and their resilience. I tend to zoom in and ask, “How can I behave like this?” While this isn’t a bad question, the Bible is primarily a story about God. Before I can take away any practical life lessons, I have to ask the bigger-picture questions for the whole of Scripture: Who is Joshua’s story pointing to?
Hebrews 11 lists many faithful leaders in Scripture and tells of the faith of the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho, an event that occurred under Joshua’s leadership. But Hebrews 11 also tells us they all died in faith but did not receive the things promised (v.39). Hold on—didn’t we just read that Joshua did get to enter the promised land? What didn’t he receive?
Joshua’s leadership led the Israelites into the promised land, but they were still waiting on the Messiah to usher them into the true kingdom of God. Many commentaries describe Joshua’s character who foreshadows what Jesus would be like, and Scripture says Joshua had the Spirit in him (Numbers 27:18), but the serpent-crusher told about in Genesis had not yet come into the world. Moses’s failure was not the end of the Israelites’ story; God made a way for them through Joshua. And Adam’s failure is not the end of our story; God made a way to salvation for us through Jesus.
When our present circumstances threaten to dissolve our faith, Jesus is still at work in us. Strength cannot be summoned and white-knuckled from inside of who we are; courage is only found in who God is. We can be strong and courageous because we follow a God who promises to dwell with us. We can be strong and very courageous because we follow a promise-keeping God.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
—Joshua 1:9
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48 thoughts on "Joshua Commissioned to Succeed Moses"
When our present circumstances threaten to dissolve our faith, Jesus is still at work in us.
I am doing this reading at the end of the day so not sure how many will see this. I have been reading along with SRT for a few months now but now & have appreciated everyone’s insightful thoughts but haven’t had the courage to share mine before.
I was struck in the reading today how many times the passage in Joshua mentions the command to be “strong and courageous” and appreciate the reminder from our reading today that the strength commanded does not come from our own circumstances or faith in ourself but through our confidence in who God is. It remind me of a section from Psalm 46 (a passage near to my heart) that reads – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth give way…” Joshua’s circumstances were not “easy” and yet this did not relieve him of the responsibility to be strong and courageous. My prayer is that we all (I) can be strong and courageous whatever our circumstances are.
Welcome, Lauren! Repetition is a great way to reinforce a point; God utilizes repetition throughout His story. Your prayer is my prayer as well–be strong and courageous!
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Lauren, so glad you are here.
Happy you’re here, Lauren! Thank you for sharing that connection; Psalm 46 is a special passage for me, too.
CeeGee, Kelly (Neo), Searching, and everyone else who prayed. Thank you. The procedure went well my pain is much better and I’m believing my blood tests will show that things are better tomorrow morning and I can go home. Thank you and praise the Lord
❤❤ Believing with you!
Glad the pain is lessened. Hopeful you can go home as quickly as possible. Hugs to you
Joshua 1:9 really spoke to me today as my husband and I have been discussing trying for another baby after the loss of our daughter. At first I was terrified. I mean absolutely debilitated with fear and said “No!” But as I slowly moved forward on my faith journey and got to know more about God and His character my feelings have changed. Joshua 1:9 reminds me that I must be strong and not let the fear of something out of my control make my decisions for me. I must not be afraid or discouraged by the possible negative outcome. Instead, I must lean on God and give Him control. He is with me through this next journey of trying again. He will not abandon me. And even though I didn’t see it at the time, He was with me through my loss too! God commands me to be strong and put my faith in Him, therefore I will because I know that He will provide for me when the time is right. I am praying for you all and hope you have a marvelous Monday remembering and honoring our service members here in the US. ❤️
I eeded this reminder today. I continue to work full time at 74. My job is stressful, fast paced and demanding. I have recently become aware of areas that I need to improve in. My fears can overtake me. I need this job. I also needed the reminder to be strong and courageous because of who God is. Appreciate prayers as I navigate this rocky road.
Praying wholeheartedly for you, Cherrie. That you not fall prey to any nasty illusory fear. Some times are messy & some things are miserable. For the just & unjust alike. Never ever give up. Never doubt He who delivers. There are no rocks the Good Lord can’t smash to rubble.
Thank You, Lord.
Blessings to you all, fellow She’s ❤️
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When our present circumstances threaten to dissolve our faith Jesus is still at work in us.
This phrase really hits home given what I’ve struggled with this past year. My present circumstances have threatened to dissolve my faith many times. To know that God is still at work in me brings me a measure of comfort and peace. I have been trying to white buckle it, to find something in myself to help me. That hasn’t been going so well for me. To trust God when He has been mostly silent has been hard. We are a people of quick fixes and God is not a drive thru where we don’t even have to get out of the drivers seat for service. He requires us to let him drive and trust Him, not matter how perilous the road ahead.
Good Gracious Arlene. You really said it!
“We are a people of quick fixes and God is not a drive thru where we don’t even have to get out of the drivers seat for service. He requires us to let him drive and trust Him, not matter how perilous the road ahead.”
Amen, Sister Friend
A couple of summers ago when I was walking to work someone had written Joshua 1:9 on the trail in BEAUTIFUL chalk art! Every now in then I see some sort of ENCOURAGING verse in chalk art on this trail. AND its always a GREAT reminder that our GOD, our Jesus is with us ALWAYS!
“Be very strong and courageous”, this is a commandment, and not a suggestion. Sometimes I need to remind myself that. God wants brave hearts. Is it unfair for God to command such thing? We are frail people? Not at all. Certainly not, when He gave us His Spirit, His Word, His Name, His power above all demonic power (Luke 10:19) that we become more than conquerors. Many sins come from fear. Whatever is not of faith, is sin. Sin is not doing something wrong, but the LACK of doing, to remain an idler, fearful, withdrawn (It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it- James 4:17). Be strong and very courageous. Let this Book of the Bible never depart from our mouth, or our heart and mind. Praise be to God for His provision of characters, that through Him, we are strong and courageous. Happy Monday shes. I hope you all have a great start to your week.
@MICHELLE P: praying for strength over you going through this time. Going through one, I felt like I was in an emotional black hole that sucked me down, and I was frantically finding an anchor, that I got hold of Him and recited His promises in my mind, then He brought me back to Him.
@VICTORIA E: I am so sorry the pain you must have felt. Praying for healing and speedy recovery.
@RHONDA J: so happy for Stacy yesterday. God is good.
@TINA: lol Tina Turner.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Sin is not doing something, but the lack of doing. So convicting for me. How often do I ignore what I could do to help a friend or neighbor, so that I can have more time for myself? How often do I sit quietly while church members struggle to recruit enough volunteers for a pot luck or luncheon? Lord, create a new heart in me that resists focusing only on myself, and instead looks for an area to serve every day. @Mercy, Thanks for this reminder.
Happy Monday She’s! I want to point out two things that caught my attention today. 1) God could have gave Zelophehad a son but didn’t-why? Was it so women would know today- you are worthy? We She’s are just as important to God as are His he’s. 2) I am so moved by v16-17 and the character of Moses. At his death he was still interceding for the people of Isreal! Moses cared for the Israelites- he could have pointed the finger and been angry at them “they are the reason I’m not getting to go to the promise land” he could have said “good riddance- I’m getting outta here” BUT no he cared that the sheep had a shepherd!!! I pray that I humble enough to care for Gods people like Moses, that I can trust God and His plan because I am a daughter and I matter too!! Praying for you all this week! Please pray for my oldest as he is going to his first sleep away camp with the church this week- pray God moves in his heart and for protection over the boys as they make memories to last a lifetime!!! ☮️❤️ to you all!
Those are good points! Thank you! @wematter
Thank you Allison for your comments this morning.❤️
GM!
Hoping you all, that hopefully have the day off, have a beautiful day in remembrance of those who served, and gave up their comfort, time and life for our freedom. There is for sure a difference of the droves of men that once were so eager to go and proud to serve, than today’s (mostly) kids that seem to want to do nothing, literally..except play games and waste time with a little box in their hands. (I blame it on my generation, where the parents worked hard and finally wanted to give their kids a better life, that spoiled us bad, and we were worse with our kids! lol) (Of course I’m being a little flippant and blanketing and generalizing, but yet don’t we see it in today’s culture?)
I do love Hebrews, the heroes of the faith book. And Joshua! I have always like the book of Joshua. My pastor posed a great question yesterday at church- What does your life say about your adherence to the WORD of God. That you honor it? Believe it? Live by it? Thirst for it? I want the word of God to be so evident in my life that there is no question about where my life is focused and all about—Jesus!! May you strengthen my walk Lord, help me to retain better and be able to share in the way you would have me..not getting ahead of you Lord, but right in step! :)
This verse was one of many verses the Lord gave me over and over before I had my shoulder surgery. Now that I am in physical therapy it is easy to get discouraged. Sometimes I feel like I’m not progressing fast enough. I realized yesterday that I was leaning on my own strength instead of trusting God in the process. He reminded me of another scripture He gave me.
“He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ch.20.15.NIV
God is faithful! He keeps His promises. It may not be according to our plans but if He said He would do it, He will. Our job is to trust Him and do the work.
Be strong and courageous. Lord I thank you for both those traits. For the love you give us everyday. For pointing our eyes to you.
VICTORIA E – Praying now for complete success with this procedure and a smooth and quick recovery! ❤
DONNA WOLCOTT – How awesome! ❤
We just ended a study in Genesis yesterday in Sunday School. Machir, Manasseh’s son was mentioned in Genesis chapter 50 (that Joseph lived long enough to see him). Kind of cool to see his name in today’s text!
Happy Memorial Day Shes in the US! Happy Monday to Shes “across the pond” or elsewhere! ❤️
Rejoicing with you @Donna W in the rebaptism of your granddaughter and the celebration of graduation of another. Milestones always worth celebrating and rejoicing with …❤️ God bless your family :)
I pray for all you Shes today who are feeling weak and vulnerable. I’ve been on the “struggle bus” so to speak but am trusting the Lord to be my strength and shield.
@Victoria E – praying your procedure is successful and that the Lord aids in the complete recovery of this abdominal pain. God bless you and keep you and heal you. ❤️ May you have a full and healthy recovery, Victoria. We are here praying with you.
Love you ladies so much and praying for you today ❤️ Jesus loves you most! ;)
Praying your trip on the struggle bus is a short one! ❤
Thank you! Haha. That is funny!! And sweet ❤️
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Thank you Kasey Moffett for pointing out that the question to ask is, “Who is Joshua’s story pointing to?”
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the “story” that we forget – everything in scripture is pointing to Jesus. It is because of Him that we can be strong and courageous, because He is with us wherever we go. It is Jesus who fights our battles (and wins every time) so that we don’t have to.
Remembering today, all those who were strong and courageous as they fought and died to keep our country free.
@Victoria E. – praying all goes well and that you have a quick recovery and that this will relieve your pain.
Have a blessed Memorial Day.
“When our present circumstances threaten to dissolve our faith, Jesus is still at work in us. Strength cannot be summoned and white-knuckled from inside of who we are; courage is only found in who God is. We can be strong and courageous because we follow a God who promises to dwell with us. We can be strong and very courageous because we follow a promise-keeping God.”
I love that Kasey ended her devo with one of my favorite verses! For anyone who, like me, needed a refresher course on Urim, I found this in NKJV Bible Dictionary on Biblegateway:
Urim and Thummim—lights and perfections
Placed in the breastplate of the high priest . . . Ex. 28:30
Method of consulting God . . . Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 14:3–37
Use of, confined to priests . . . Deut. 33:8
Answer by, refused . . . 1 Sam. 28:6
Remembering in appreciation all those who have fought and died for the freedom we have in America. God bless their families! ❤
Thank You Father that my strength and courage come from You and the Blood of Jesus. Amen
Amen. Joshua 1.9 has been my favorite verse since I was a kid, and I still love it…I’m so grateful to serve a God Who promises to be with me..when others fail and walk away, He stays. He keeps His promises. He loves us and gives us strength and courage, boldness…He is always faithful!
God picked Joshua to replace Moses and Eleazar to replace Aaron. Both had experienced all of God’s deliverance and provision. It would be up to the to teach the next generations to remember.
Let us remember those who gave their lives in service to our country (U.S.) and honor them by teaching the next generation of God’s mercy despite our many transgressions.
VICTORIA E – praying all goes well for you today and you have a quick recovery.
Amen ❤
“Who is Joshua’s story pointing to?” what a great question, and not just about Joshua, to have in the back of our heads as we read scripture. All Bible stories point to God and ultimately, the arrival of His son, Jesus. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in how what we read “speaks to us,” that we gloss over the fact that the story is not meant to point to us, but to God.
So true! Does my life point to God/Jesus?! ❤
We see today the inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad, of the Manasseh tribe, that KELLY (NEO) ❤️ pointed out last week. As part of an all sisters family, there’s comfort in reading the Lord’s confirmation of the logic of Zelophehad‘s daughters – they were seen and loved – not overlooked or pushed aside.
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Joshua’s faithfulness and character – inspiring. God’s faithfulness and character – indescribable and humbling. Thank you, Lord!
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I’m reminded of an old Squire Parsons song “Some call it heaven, I call it home.”
Hebrews 11: 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.
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VICTORIA E -❤️ what a week! praying for a successful surgery this morning, and smooth recovery
DONNA WOLCOTT – love the maturity of your granddaughter’s decision to be baptized again ❤️❤️
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When I was reading the first part of Numbers 27 it reminded me of the book of Ruth, and Ruth and Boaz.
I love how Hebrews reiterates that this is not our home. Yes I have a beautiful home here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but this is not my eternal home. It will be so much greater and so awesome, and I’ll be kneeling at the feet of Jesus. It’s so good to remember the Lord has something so much better for us and we need to be strong and courageous until such time as we get to go Home.
Haha Tina. That’s funny about Turner coming up.
For those of you in the United States, have a blessed Memorial Day, remembering those who gave it all for our country. You know, I just put that in here, and I guess we all can celebrate Memorial Day, remembering those who gave it all to follow Jesus, and remembering The One who truly gave it all for us. Today and every day.
Love to you, Sisters. ❤️
Amen, TRICIA C, and thank you. I meant to add a remembrance for today and got sidetracked in my post.
And amen❤️
Amen, TINA. Thank you for pulling those verses together, we are so blessed by God’s protection, promises and steadfast, never ending love!
Love you, and the autofilled Turner ❤️
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
—Joshua 1:9
I love this verse. I love these words spoken loooooong ago and yet still hold true today..
These words may have been spoken in BC, but they still for sure are wonderfully heart warming today.
God was for His people then, He is even more so now, having given His only son, to die for us, to redeem us, to give us life!
My heart sings at this verse, because it tells me, I do not, never have done, and will never ever do life alone. I have Him to encourage. I have Him to strengthen me. I have Him with me whatever the journey, good, bad, ugly… He is with me/us.
The verse from Saturday, in fact the whole chapter of Romans 8, is yet another reminder of how He is and will always be for as, and that NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can separate us from His love of care..
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
Happy Monday, my dears, totally covered in love and prayers..❤
I love that every time I put my name in the box, it’s followed by Turner!❤
Too funny ❣️
Amen, Tina! Thanks, too, for the chuckle! Just for fun, I put your name in the box on my comment. I got nothing! Lol ❤❤