How many times in the Old Testament did God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous? Four times. Once in Deuteronomy 31:23 and three more times in chapter one of the book of Joshua. (Joshua 1:6, 7,9) Also, Moses gave Joshua the same message in Deuteronomy 31:7.
Admittedly, Joshua had big sandals to fill, taking over the leadership of the Israelites when Moses, the only person who spoke with God face to face, died (Deuteronomy 34:9-10). God repeatedly reminded Joshua He would be with him while leading the military campaign to conquer Canaan and dividing up the land among all the people of Israel.
God had the power to destroy all the people living in the Promised Land by himself and just let the Israelites move in without doing the work. Instead, Joshua and the Israelites learned to trust and obey God to accomplish the task set before them.
So, does God depend on you? Does He need us to help Him do His work? Or does God teach us to trust and obey Him first?
Trust in God’s promises
God made a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would occupy the land of Canaan and be a great nation through whom the whole earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). God promised Joshua four times he would achieve victory by staying strong and courageous and trusting Him.
In the New Testament, God promised always to be with us. The Holy Spirit, our counselor, advocate, and advisor, is promised to all who believe (John 14:15-17).
Of course, the greatest promise is proclaimed in John 3:16, ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Trust leads to obedience
When Joshua and the Israelites obeyed God, they were victorious. For example, during the battle of Jericho, God gave Joshua specific and unusual instructions. March quietly around the walls of the city one time a day for six days. Then on the seventh day, quietly circle the city six times. Then, on the seventh time, let loose and make some noise! (Joshua 6) Joshua and the people obeyed, and God brought the walls of the city down.
However, one time when the people disobeyed God, they were defeated. (Joshua 7)
In the present time, if we trust God loves us and desires the best for us, we want to do what he says. Likewise, Jesus obeyed the Father. (John 15:10).
How do we learn how to obey? By studying and meditating on His Word to know what God commands. (James 1:22)
God’s Word transforms us and leads us to obedience.
Obedience leads to doing the will of God
Joshua trusted and obeyed God and the people took possession of the Promised Land to further God’s plan for all peoples of the earth (Joshua 23:9-11).
Today, where is God calling you to be strong and courageous? Perhaps to show the love of God by serving others during this difficult time in the world.
Or maybe to stay calm, spread light and peace to glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16).
Whatever it is, we can do nothing without God. As Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Trust and obey God
God doesn’t depend on us. We depend on God. But we learn to trust and obey God first and then desire to serve Him and carry out His plans.
This classic hymn—Trust and Obey—sums things up well. Study God’s Word, learn to trust, obey and do His good will.
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.”
