What do you do when you’re stepping into shoes that feel too big?
You’ve probably felt it before—the moment the responsibility lands squarely on your shoulders. The person who led before you is gone. The team is watching. The stakes are high. And there’s no turning back. Maybe it’s a new position. A growing company. A conflict that won’t wait. A decision that could change everything.
That’s exactly where Joshua stood.
Moses—the leader everyone knew and followed—was gone. Now Joshua was in charge, and he was about to lead God’s people into a land filled with fortified cities, giants, and battles. Talk about pressure. But instead of handing Joshua a map or a military strategy, God gave him something far more important: a leadership charge spoken four times in succession.
“Be strong and courageous.”
These leadership lessons from Joshua are not just historical anecdotes. They are timeless truths that resonate with our leadership challenges today. Whether you’re facing a critical decision, transitioning into a new role, or navigating a difficult season, the charge to ‘be strong and courageous’ is as relevant now as it was then.
4 Leadership Lessons from Joshua’s Divine Commission
Let’s walk through the four times God speaks this phrase to Joshua—and the leadership wisdom tucked into each moment.
1. Be Strong and Courageous—Because You’ve Been Called
“The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath. And I myself will be with you.’”
— Deuteronomy 31:23
Joshua didn’t apply for the job. He didn’t campaign for it. He didn’t create a five-year plan to take Moses’ place.
God chose him.
Before Joshua even set foot in Canaan, God made it clear: this role was not a mere appointment, but a divine assignment. With that assignment came the authority, the presence, and the promise of God Himself. As Christian leaders, when we understand that our roles are not based on our own initiative, but on divine appointment, courage becomes a natural response.
As Christian leaders, it’s easy to wonder if we’re really up to the task. But when we know we’re where God has called us, courage becomes a natural response. We’re not leading on our own initiative—we’re leading under divine appointment.
Leadership Lesson: Confidence flows from calling, not credentials.
2. Be Strong and Courageous—Because Others Are Counting on You
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”
— Joshua 1:6
God reminds Joshua: this isn’t just about you. There’s a whole community behind you. Families. Futures. Generations.
Leadership is never in isolation. Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or serving in ministry, your courage doesn’t just affect you—it has a ripple effect on everyone around you. Your boldness inspires others to move forward with confidence. Your steadiness becomes their stability.
This isn’t pressure; it’s purpose.
Leadership Lesson: Your strength steadies others. Your courage calls them forward.
3. Be Strong and Very Courageous—Because Obedience Will Be Tested
“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.”
— Joshua 1:7
This one adds a word: very courageous. Why? Because obedience, especially in leadership, requires a special kind of strength.
There are times when obeying God’s Word puts you at odds with what’s popular, profitable, or even practical in the world’s eyes. And in those moments, your integrity becomes the battleground. Will you cut corners? Will you compromise? Will you stay true when it costs you?
For Joshua, success didn’t come from military prowess—it came from faithfulness to God’s Word. That’s one of the most overlooked leadership lessons from Joshua: Success without obedience isn’t success at all.
Leadership Lesson: Obedience Requires Inner Strength. Courage is the backbone of integrity.
4. Be Strong and Courageous—Because You Are Not Alone
“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
Here, God closes the charge with a question: “Have I not commanded you?”
It’s a gentle but firm reminder. Joshua, this wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command. And it’s backed by the most important leadership truth of all—God will be with you.
Everywhere. Every day. Every step.
God’s presence isn’t limited to church services or prayer meetings. He’s with you in the boardroom, on the job site, in late-night email threads, and in high-stakes conversations. You’re not alone. Ever.
Leadership Lesson: You’re never alone in your leadership. God’s presence is your power source.
Final Thought:
Joshua didn’t lead with ease, but he led with strength. Not because he was fearless, but because he trusted the One who said, “I will be with you.” That’s the heartbeat of leadership for every Christian: boldness rooted in calling, courage fueled by obedience, and strength sustained by God’s presence.
If you’re in a season where the next step feels daunting, or the responsibility weighs heavily, let these leadership lessons from Joshua be more than inspiration—let them be your anchor:
“Be strong and courageous.”
God is not just calling you to leadership—He’s walking with you through it.
Action Steps for Leaders:
We all need practical reminders. Here are five ways to live out Joshua’s leadership charge today:
- Reaffirm your calling.
Remember who put you in leadership. It wasn’t by chance—it was God’s assignment. - Lead with others in mind.
Your courage strengthens the whole team. When you’re bold, they rise. - Choose obedience over convenience.
Stay grounded in God’s Word, even when shortcuts seem more manageable. - Invite God into your leadership.
Pray over meetings. Seek His wisdom. Trust His presence in every decision. - Pass it on.
Encourage another leader this week with the words: “Be strong and courageous.”
Discussion Questions:
Take a few moments to reflect on these questions—whether on your own, with a team, or in a small group—and consider how these leadership lessons from Joshua apply to your life right now:
- Where do you feel most called—but least confident?
- Which of the four leadership lessons from Joshua do you need to lean into right now?
- How has your obedience to God been tested in leadership?
- In what ways can you remind yourself daily of God’s presence?
- Who in your sphere of influence needs encouragement today?
More Articles
I have written several articles on Courage/Risk-Taking. You can find them by typing “Courage/Risk-Taking” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #650: He Makes Brave Those He Calls: Faith and Courage in the Workplace
- #615: 5 Leadership Lessons from Jehosheba: A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight
- #610: Conquering Fear: Lessons from 4 Biblical Leaders on Trusting in God
- #609: 6 Steps to Boldly Live Out the Gospel as a Workplace Leader
- #605: Hostility at Work: Standing Firm in Your Christian Faith
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. How have you responded when God called you into an uncertain, seemingly impossible task?
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Category: Personal Development | Courage/Risk-Taking
Others are counting on you. I remember when I was promoted to Lieutenant in the police department my father said, “Remember John, you’re responsible for the welfare of your men. Always have them in mind. Show up for them.” Weeks later our community suffered a terrible winter storm. Power lines down, mud slides. I got up at 2AM, put on my uniform and rain jacket, checked out a squad car, and joined the graveyard crew all night with traffic control and handling calls. By the time the morning crew showed up, we were all drenched and tired. But we found an open coffee shop and sat down together. We shared stories of the night. We laughed. And even though my schedule was normally 9-5 in a suit, I realized how invaluable it was to “serve my men” on that graveyard shift. Because, to your point and my father’s, others are counting on you.
Great story John! Every organization has hard-working people out of the limelight that need to know what they do matters. It might the mechanic that keeps the busses running, the janitorial crews that keep the workspaces clean, or the night crew that sees the most intense action. They all need to know that they matter and a smart boss finds ways to make sure they know their work matters and they are appreciated.