“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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”
Joshua was born into slavery and oppression. He was one who cried out to God for deliverance. He observed the plagues. He saw the impotency of Egypt’s gods. He observed Pharoah’s humiliation. He witnessed the miraculous provision of God.
Joshua was a leader of a tribe. He stood for God at the risk of his own life. Though in the minority, he wholly followed God.
Joshua learned patience. After all, he did wait FORTY YEARS to get into the promised land. He learned to seek God in the waiting.
God made specific promises to Joshua. That he would possess every place his foot would tread. That He would be with him just as he was with Moses. He promised no one would be able to usurp Joshua’s position and he would indeed prosper.
Those promises came with instructions to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid, to observe all of Moses’ commandments, and to meditate on the Book day and night.
Joshua practiced immediate obedience. He learned from the past and held tightly to God’s Word. He taught the people the importance of God’s Word for their lives and read it to them. In victory, he praised God. He recognized God fulfilled every need. He continually gave God the credit. He acknowledged who God is and made a lifelong commitment. Joshua lived a life of personal revival – seeking, repenting, praising and following where God led.
Let’s take his example in today and examine our own tendencies. Do you need to boldly and courageously step into what God has for you? Lean into God’s provision and promises for your life and seek to live a life in continuous personal revival.
