Joshua 1:1-9 God Commissions Joshua

God's plan for his people is established and firm. It is not dependent on any one person in particular. As powerful as Moses' ministry was, the ongoing development of God's plan is not solely dependent upon him. No one person is indispensable in God's kingdom. It is a team effort to complete a relay race of sorts, and it is Joshua's turn. Moses' performance is indeed commendable, but his time is up. Moses is to pass on the baton to Joshua.

The mission is unchanged no matter the leader in charge. When the Lord commissions his leaders, he reminds them of his presence and reiterates his promises for reassurance in order to ensure confidence in performance. The confidence is not in the self, but in the Lord. He will be with his new leader in the same way he was with Moses and no one can stand against a leader God has appointed for his purposes. "I will not leave you or forsake you" is an awesome assurance, especially in the beginning of a leader's term.

The promises are encouraging and reassuring, but it is also necessary to heed the call of our God in the performance of leadership. God calls, not once, but thrice: "Be strong and very courageous!" Strength is the power to resist strain and stress. It is durability. It is the power to resist attack. Confidence in God's presence is not a shield against strain and stress. It is only the guarantee that I am not alone in the middle of the heat of battle. I must be willing to deal with strain and stress and overcome it empowered by his presence.

Courage is the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, and painful instead of withdrawing from it. It is not lack of fear, but the willingness to act despite of fear. It is to refuse to allow fear to paralyze me and to move forward in the name of the Lord empowered by his presence and his promises. Leadership in the kingdom of God requires strength and courage. Am I willing to heed the call?

Father, reassure me of your presence and promises. Grant me strength and courage to overcome stress and fear. May I never shrink back from your call to obey. Help me perform well during my term.