As a leader, have you ever found yourself stepping into a role or situation that felt entirely new and unfamiliar, perhaps even daunting, and seemingly impossible? Such moments can test the very core of our resolve and faith. In these moments, we must summon our courage, for it empowers us to face the unknown and emerge victorious.
In these times, the story of Joshua, newly commissioned as the leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death, offers both inspiration and instruction. As Joshua faced the monumental task of leading a nation into an unknown and fortified land, he received a powerful message from God that echoed through the ages: “Be strong and courageous.” This divine encouragement wasn’t just for Joshua; it extends to all who find themselves in new territories of leadership and challenge. Take heart in this narrative as we explore how God’s call and promise to Joshua can guide and sustain you in your own leadership journey, acknowledging the parallels between Joshua’s challenges and the ones you face today.
Embracing New Beginnings with Divine Assurance
In a pivotal moment of transition, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, we witness the passing of the mantle from Moses—the steadfast leader who conversed with God atop Mount Sinai and led the Israelites out of Egypt—to Joshua, his devoted apprentice. Moses, after guiding the people for 40 years, has died. Now, Joshua stands at the threshold of a monumental task. Before he and the Israelites lie the Promised Land, a tangible symbol of God’s enduring promise to His people, a land flowing with milk and honey yet occupied by formidable foes and fortified cities. In this moment, Joshua is not alone. He carries with him the divine assurance of God’s promise, a source of faith and confidence in the face of daunting challenges. This assurance, rooted in his unwavering trust in God, is a key aspect of his leadership that leaders today can learn from.
The Daunting Task Ahead
Joshua, commissioned by God as the new leader, faces the immense challenge of leading a nation across the swollen Jordan River—without the convenience of bridges or boats—and then conquering the robust inhabitants of Canaan. The task is not merely a military conquest but a divine mission, fraught with obstacles that test the people’s physical and spiritual mettle. Joshua’s leadership is not just about strategy and tactics but about his unwavering faith and courage in the face of such daunting challenges.
Be Strong and Courageous
In Joshua chapter 1, the phrase “be strong and courageous” is not merely a casual encouragement but a foundational command that underpins Joshua’s leadership as he steps into his role. Each occurrence of this charge carries a specific weight, and instruction is deeply relevant for modern leaders navigating their own complex landscapes. This command is not just a suggestion but a powerful tool that can empower leaders to face their challenges with strength and courage, just as Joshua did.
Foundational Courage: Inheriting the Promised Land
Joshua 1:6: “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Here, the call to strength and courage is directly linked to fulfilling a divine promise. Joshua’s strength needs to be both physical as he leads the people across diverse terrains and spiritual to uphold the people’s faith in God’s promises. For today’s leaders, this underscores the importance of courage in pursuing fulfilling commitments and visions entrusted to them, especially those serving a purpose larger than themselves.
Obedience and Success: Adhering to Divine Law
Joshua 1:7: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” This command elevates the previous admonition, emphasizing the critical role of unwavering adherence to God’s laws. Coupling strength and courage with obedience highlights that true leadership success comes from a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and established guidelines. For leaders today, it’s a reminder that integrity and alignment with core values are the backbones of effective leadership and the foundation of trust and respect from those they lead. This principle, as demonstrated in Joshua’s leadership, is a timeless guide for leaders in any era.
Unwavering Support: The Promise of God’s Presence
Joshua 1:9: “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.” This reiteration of being strong and courageous carries an additional reassurance—God’s continual presence. The emphasis on not being afraid or discouraged speaks to the emotional and mental challenges leaders face. It serves as a profound reminder that their strength and courage do not come solely from within but are supported by the constant presence of God. For leaders facing uncertainty or adversity, this promise offers a deep well of comfort and courage.
Each instance of the phrase “be strong and courageous” prepared Joshua for the immediate challenges. Additionally, it laid a blueprint for how leaders can approach their roles with confidence, guided by faith, moral courage, and unwavering commitment to their principles. These timeless principles encourage today’s leaders to face their challenges head-on. They do so with the conviction that they are supported by something greater than themselves.
Spiritual Strength: A Cornerstone for Leadership
The call to spiritual strength for today’s Christian leaders reminds us that leadership is not solely about charisma or capabilities but is deeply rooted in spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God’s word. Just as Joshua was to “be careful to obey all the law” given through Moses, leaders today are called to adhere to biblical principles, ensuring their guidance is not swayed by temporal challenges or cultural shifts but anchored in the eternal truth of Scripture. This emphasis on spiritual strength empowers and inspires leaders like you and me to lead with conviction and faith.
Courage in the Face of Impossibility
In Joshua’s context, courage was not merely about bravado in battle but profound moral courage. It was about leading a nation to undertake tasks that seemed impossible, trusting in God’s promises despite the visible odds. This courage meant stepping into the unknown, leading a people to a new home, and facing entrenched enemies, all while trusting wholly in God’s presence.
For contemporary leaders, this narrative offers a powerful parallel. Today’s “Canaans” might look different—perhaps they are societal injustices, spiritual apathy, or internal church conflicts—but the essence of courage remains the same. It is about confronting these challenges head-on, not with foolhardiness but with a conviction that God’s guidance is both necessary and sufficient.
The Promise of Divine Presence
God’s command to Joshua was coupled with a promise: “I will be with you wherever you go.” This assurance of God’s omnipresence offered Joshua comfort and a concrete foundation for his courage. For leaders now, this promise holds as true as it did then. The presence of God serves as the ultimate reassurance in every decision, challenge, and victory.
Conclusion
As today’s Christian leaders reflect on Joshua’s story, the call to be “strong and courageous” serves as a timeless beacon. It invites leaders to cultivate spiritual fortitude and moral bravery grounded in a steadfast commitment to God and His word. In doing so, they can lead with the confidence that God is ever-present, turning daunting tasks into profound testimonies of faith, strength, and courage.
Action Steps
As leaders facing our own “Promised Lands” of challenges and opportunities, drawing practical lessons from Joshua’s experience is essential. Here are five actionable steps to help you embody the strength and courage God commanded Joshua to embrace. These steps are designed to fortify your leadership and deepen your reliance on God’s guidance in every aspect of your ministry or organizational role.
- Daily Devotion in Scripture: Start each day by reading and meditating on God’s Word. Just as Joshua was instructed not to stray from the law of Moses, integrating scripture into daily life strengthens your spiritual foundation and prepares you for the challenges ahead.
- Set Clear Vision and Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for your team or community that align with the bigger vision God has placed on your heart. Like Joshua leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, having a clear direction motivates and unifies your group.
- Cultivate a Culture of Prayer: Encourage regular prayer within your team or community, emphasizing dependence on God for wisdom and strength. This practice not only fosters spiritual growth but also builds collective resilience.
- Engage in Regular Reflection and Adjustment: Periodically assess the progress toward your goals and be open to making necessary adjustments. This mirrors Joshua’s need to adapt to the realities of leading a nation—maintaining flexibility can lead to more effective leadership.
- Foster Courageous Leadership in Others: Develop leadership training to encourage others to be strong and courageous. Empowering others to take leadership roles builds a robust community capable of overcoming great challenges.
Discussion Questions
Here are five discussion questions designed to facilitate thoughtful conversations among your team or study group. These questions aim to explore personal and collective applications of the Scripture in contemporary leadership scenarios.
- How does the command to “be strong and courageous” speak to your current leadership challenges? Discuss instances where you’ve needed to rely on spiritual strength to guide your decisions.
- How can we, as leaders, ensure we are not turning “to the right or to the left” from God’s law? Consider discussing the importance of ethical integrity in leadership.
- How does the promise that “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” influence your sense of security and decision-making in leadership? Share personal experiences where this assurance has been evident.
- What modern-day “fortified cities” and “formidable foes” do we face in our missions or organizations, and how can we confront these challenges with courage? Identify parallels between the obstacles Joshua faced and the challenges in your context.
- What strategies can we implement to foster a culture of courage and strong leadership among our teams, similar to Joshua’s leadership among the Israelites? Discuss practical ways to empower and inspire others in your group or organization.
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Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. What does it mean to be strong and courageous in your life?
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Category: Relationships | Encouragement
It feels like today’s political leadership has fallen short of the “be strong and courageous” advice given to Joshua by God. Let’s home some divine inspiration reaches today’s leaders.
Amen, John! Our political leadership is certainly suffering from a lack of “strong and courageous!” Sadly, this weakness has permeated many of our C-suites and senior corporate leaders. Worst of all, I see a lack of courage among far too many of our clergy! This weakness is a scourge on society that is far worse than the recent pandemic.