In Joshua 1:1–9, Joshua finds himself facing an enormous assignment. Moses is dead after leading the children of Israel for 40 years, and Joshua—who had served as Moses’ assistant—must now lead the people. He stands on the edge of the Jordan, looking toward a land filled with both promise and opposition. These were big shoes to fill.

But God does not leave Joshua without direction. The Lord gives Joshua an assignment, and with that assignment come both commands and promises. Three times, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. God does not ignore the danger Joshua is facing or pretend that the assignment will be easy. Instead, He tells Joshua how to respond in the face of it.

The Lord tells Joshua, “Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:2). Joshua did not simply volunteer for an impressive title. God called him to lead the people into the land He had promised.

There is no courage apart from a mission. You are not courageous merely because you appear brave. Courage is connected to what God has called you to do.

Sometimes people may become upset with you because you are operating in your gift and walking in your calling. But when the assignment comes from God, your confidence cannot ultimately rest in everyone's approval. The Lord gave Joshua the assignment, and Joshua had to be faithful to it.

Moses, a man of God, had died, but nothing of God died. The Lord’s purpose did not end with Moses’ season of service.

Joshua could not become Moses, and he did not need to become Moses. He needed to be faithful to the assignment God had placed in his hands.

That matters when the shoes of those who came before you seem large. The work may be demanding, and the responsibility may feel overwhelming, but confidence rests in the God who gives the assignment.

For Joshua, the transition in leadership did not mean the end of God’s work. God was still working among His people, and Joshua was now called to carry out the assignment God had given him.

God promised Israel the land, but the people still had to walk into it. Joshua 1:3 says,
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you.”

The land was a gift from God, but Joshua could not remain on the familiar side of the Jordan and claim to have obeyed the Lord’s command. The promise was not a sedative that put them to sleep. It was a sign that they needed to move.

Sometimes courage means taking the next obedient step even when you cannot see the entire road. Joshua had to move forward with the assignment he had been given.

Joshua’s story reminds us that courage is connected to both assignment and action. God gave Joshua something to do, and Joshua had to respond.

Be strong. Be courageous. Take the next obedient step.