Strong And Courageous: Leadership Lessons From The Book Of JoshuaSmakprov

Have you ever found yourself in a leadership position wondering, “How did I get here?” I sure have. When God calls us to something new, it can be overwhelming. You might feel like you’re in over your head. Maybe you’re even questioning your direction.

I wonder if that’s how the Bible character, Joshua, felt when God told him he would be the one to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. At the beginning of the book of Joshua, the Israelites are camping on the edge of the Jordan River. Their leader, Moses, has just died, and I’m sure they were wondering how they were going to take the land.

I think about Moses from the Bible, the man who God used to bring down plagues on Pharaoh and deliver the nation of Israel from Egypt. The man who met with God face-to-face to receive the Ten Commandments. This is the guy Joshua is supposed to follow!

God tells Joshua three times to be “strong and courageous.” It seems like Joshua may have been a bit nervous. But God encourages him and tells him: “Follow Me and I’ll be with you.”

Fascinating events mark Joshua’s story as we read about the people of Israel walking across the river on dry ground (yes, just like with Moses!) and defeating their enemies as they follow God’s instruction to inhabit the ground He had promised to give them.

Joshua was a great leader. He wasn’t a perfect one, but he accomplished many seemingly impossible tasks during his years of leadership, and we can learn a lot from his story.

Let's walk through Joshua’s milestone events and encounters with God. We can learn how to be strong and courageous leaders by following his example.