“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River,…” Joshua 1:2
“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous: Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
The Lord’s word is clear; “Joshua, go!”
The command is forceful; “Be courageous, don’t be terrified, do not be discouraged, do not crack under the pressure.”
These words are not the words spoken to a man full of anticipation and courage, but to someone who is battling great doubt and fear.
It takes strength and courage to lead.
It takes strength and courage to obey.
It takes strength and courage to confront fear and discouragement.
Joshua seems far from ready.
He must act. His only assurance is God’s promise, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
He had been here forty years before, and recalls the results of the people not trusting God.
Now, a new host of men and women wait for the command to enter the land promised to their ancestors.
Standing on the edge of the Jordan, they face a river in full flood.
Nevertheless this is the time.
A nation is about to be born or be aborted.
It does not matter how often we have hesitated in fear, doubted, turned back, sinned or failed.
When God says to, “Go!” Then any “flood,” is irrelevant, the voice of the enemy is irrelevant, self-doubt is irrelevant… all that matters is His promise and our obedience;
“No one will be able to stand against you …I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5
We either obey and enter our destiny, or we abort and return to the desert.