Joshua 1:9

Devotional Thoughts

By Gary Wilkerson

When Joshua was commissioned as leader of the Israelite nation, God spoke great encouragement to him. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

God was telling Joshua, “Be encouraged and don’t be afraid. Be strong for I am leading you into something great.” Now that Joshua was ready to take leadership in God’s great plan, things were going to happen that had never happened before. But Joshua was going to have to stand up and enter into the promises of God.

Joshua had been working alongside Moses, fighting many battles and prevailing because God was with him. He was faithful and obedient to God’s call and His rock-solid faith enabled him to become a great leader.

When Moses died, God said, “Joshua, it’s time!” How exciting to hear God say that it’s time. Joshua had been waiting and after forty years of wandering through the wilderness, he had the joy, the privilege, the opportunity to say to his people, “We’re crossing over!”

Picture yourself walking into the Promised Land along with the children of Israel. Such rejoicing! Dancing and singing before the Lord, “We made it — finally. We’re here! Hallelujah! After all these years of waiting and wandering, we are finally experiencing the promise.”

Have you been waiting for the fulfillment of a promise of God? Your battle has not been just external, but also in your heart. I encourage you to believe that greater things are yet to come for you. God is going to intervene in your circumstances and you are going to walk into your promises.

The same encouragement that God gave to Joshua can be applied to you, as well. “Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” As you are faithful to God, he will be faithful to you.