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.”
Joshua 1:9
When Moses died, God gave Joshua the responsibility of leading the children of Israel to the promised land. This was a frightening prospect for Joshua for a couple of reasons. He was going to be leading a stubborn people. They had demonstrated this stubborn streak in the wilderness under Moses’ leadership (Exodus 14:11-12), and he was going to be leading them into unfamiliar enemy territory. Put simply, Joshua had no clue what he was doing. Have you ever been in that kind of situation where you have no clue as to what you are supposed to do?
Joshua was uncertain that he could rise to the task, but God commanded Joshua to go forth saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God tells Joshua both what to be and what not to be. One state drives out the other. Genuine spiritual courage drives out fear, because the two states cannot co-exist at the same time. Joshua assumed the leadership role, not because he trusted in his own leadership experience or capabilities, but because he trusted in the character of the God who made the promise. The one who said, “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses (Joshua 1:3) and as “I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5).”
If you are facing a challenging leadership situation, do what Joshua did. Align yourself with God’s Word and truth. That’s the foundation for your success. Then lean on his promises. To paraphrase Paul in his letter to the Philippians, remember you and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). If God has called you to your role, he will also equip you fully for it. Therefore, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged. Have a courageous week doing what God has called you to do.