Step in to God's PromiseSample

Three times, God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” First, it’s strength to complete the task. He says, “Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people. This is what I’ve called you to do.

What has God spoken to you?

What promise are you holding onto?

If God has spoken something into your heart, write it down and speak it out! Tell someone else what you are trusting for. Keep bringing it before the Lord. Don’t just pray for it one time. Keep asking! Keep knocking! Keep seeking!

God tells Joshua to have strength to obey and to hold firm to His instructions. How is he going to hold firm? By obeying all the law, by maintaining his focus without turning to the right or the left, and by keep God’s Word on his lips and in his heart.

Finally, God tells Joshua to have courage to step out even in the midst of fear. He says, “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God knew Joshua would deal with discouragement as we all do and that he’d feel like he was all alone, but He assures him that he will be with him every single step of the way.

It takes courage to step out into something new when you feel inadequate or unprepared. Or, maybe you feel well-equipped, but no one in your family or your friend group has ever tried something like this before.

Joshua naturally compared himself to Moses, the past leader, and understandably he felt some inadequacy. But here’s the thing, Deuteronomy 3: 26-28 tells us that God’s promise was never going to be fulfilled as long as Moses was the leader because he had been disobedient.

God had tapped Joshua forty years earlier to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Then, he used those decades to hone him, to train him, and to show His faithfulness over and over again.

Maybe, you’ve been waiting for a while and wondering if the promise was really from God at all. You can be sure that whatever skills, talents, or abilities you needed to reach your current level with God were not the ones you’ll need to get to His next level of promise.

What promise has God spoken into your heart? Even if it’s been a while, it doesn’t mean that it’s no longer waiting for you or that it’s not God’s plan for you. He’s calling, "Now then, step in.”

Maybe you’ve already tried to step in. You dipped a toe in, but then insecurity took over. Perhaps, you even waded out waist deep, but you allowed the comparisons to start, and you ran back to the comfort and security of the shore.

Jesus, and his resident Holy Spirit, promise to be with you always, to walk with you, to strengthen you, and to empower you. God’s promises are sure. Now then, step in!

Reflection:

1. What does it mean to you to be strong and courageous in your faith?
2. How can you consistently meditate on God’s Word to guide your actions?
3. Why do you think God emphasizes courage in this passage?
4. How can you practically apply the principles of obedience and meditation on God's word in your life?
5. In what areas do you feel you need to demonstrate more courage?

Prayer:

God, you call your followers to do hard things. Give me the strength I need to step into the next level you’ve promised me. I know I can’t do it on my own. Help me to believe that you will strengthen me in the journey. May your Word guide me daily. Give me courage to act on your promises and to believe You when I feel discouraged or afraid. Lead me to take the next step with you.