Joshua

Day 30, Mar 5th, 2024

Text:  Deuteronomy 31:1-8; 34:9

Introduction: 

Joshua was an amazing man of God who inherited a tall task of bringing the children of Israel into the promised land. He was a successor to Moses, the prophet who journeyed with the Lord and saw God face to face. Moses, by the power of God parted the Red Sea, struck a rock and water gushed out, turned a stick into a serpent that later ate all of Pharaoh’s witchcraft serpents. Moses, who was able to do a myriad of  mighty exploits and journeyed with the children of Israel for many years was unable to see the promised land due to his disobedience thus leading God to raise Joshua as his successor. 

Joshua is most commonly known for the verse Joshua 1:9: “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.” God spoke this to Joshua because he was an unlikely candidate to be a DELIVERER after 40 years of Moses’ dynamic leadership– Joshua was up next. Why is Joshua important to study- because of his understanding of Godfidence. While Joshua was not qualified he was observant, he studied the ways of God through Moses and understood what it meant to have the Lord’s backing. Joshua was a good leader because he followed God’s leading and had confidence in the God that he served. 

When fear would surround him– The Lord would encourage him to stand on His word “do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” This is especially important for youths, young adults, new leaders, head of households, first born siblings, any older siblings, political leaders, mothers, fathers, church workers, corporate leaders, head nurses, doctors and anyone in leadership at any level. The Lord has a task for you to accomplish and He wants you to be very strong and courageous!

Life Lessons and Life Applications

1. God knows you better than you know yourself: When he calls you, he equips you for the journey. Joshua was able to take on the call as a leader because He believed in God. He didn’t debate with God but trusted in His Word. Make sure that you trust in God and he will help you prevail and sustain you through mighty exploits.

2. Who mentors you is important: Who are you learning from? Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses laid hands on him. Who you learn from is very important. Joshua received from the Prophet Moses and the children of Israel listened to him after Moses’ death. All of us need to be mindful of who we are learning from and who is guiding us Deut 34:9. The Bible talks about the importance of wise counselors to make sure that anyone advising you has the spirit of wisdom and insight so that you will not labor in vain and your journey will be efficient.
3. See the possibilities in every circumstance and believe in the God that you serve! When Joshua and Caleb scouted the land they believed that they were well able to go into the promised land. 

“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.” (Numbers 14:8)

Have a winner’s mindset, others went to the promised land and saw inferiority. Joshua saw possibilities and didn’t believe the negative report. He believed that with God on his side he was a giant and not a grasshopper. Do not believe the lies of the enemy and lies of inferiority believe that You + God is a majority. 

Life applications

1. Trust in God’s Plan for your life
2. Pray for God to Give you good advisors 
3. Have a winner’s mindset to overcome life’s challenges and fulfill the call of God for your life.

Lesson of the Day

No matter what God has called you to remember to trust God’s ability in you. Prayer, God help me to lead in my sphere of influence with Godfidence in who you are in me. Help me to seek out and obey your voice and the voices of those who are sent to help and mold me into who you have destined me to be. Amen.

Complied by: Ariella Daramola