The Old Testament book of Joshua opens with a daunting moment. Joshua had to step into the role of leadership after Moses, the great servant of God, had died. The weight of leading the nation of Israel into the promised land must have seemed overwhelming – likely an impossible task for any man.
But God gave Joshua a promise that has encouraged countless believers ever since: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).
In this single verse, God gave Joshua – and us – four principles to carry us through moments when life feels too heavy, the obstacles too great, or the future too uncertain.
- God Never Commands the Impossible
“Have I not commanded you?”
When God directs us to a task, He provides the strength to fulfill it. Joshua could lead Israel because God had commanded him to do so. Likewise, God will never put us in a situation where faithfulness is impossible. Paul reminded the Corinthians: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). This means God knows our limits better than we do. He calls us not according to our weakness, but according to His strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10). - Strength Comes from Trust in God
“Be strong and of good courage.”
Joshua was not told to be strong in himself, but in the Lord. Real courage is not bravado, but trust in God’s promises. Paul told Timothy, who struggled with timidity: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). When facing a spiritual battle, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). We can move forward with confidence because God equips us with His strength. As Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). - Fear Can Be Conquered
“Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.”
God acknowledges our fears – He knows that we often feel inadequate, anxious, or overwhelmed. But He calls us not to dwell in fear, but to trust His presence and move ahead even though we are afraid. David understood this when he declared: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). We will feel fear, but faith can help us move ahead in spite of fear when we remember who walks beside us. - God’s Presence Makes the Impossible Possible
“For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
This was Joshua’s greatest assurance. He was not alone – God Himself went with him. No enemy, no barrier, no trial could remove God’s presence. Paul echoed this truth from his own experience: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). And Jesus promised His disciples: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). When God goes with us, we can take the next step – walking “by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Enterprise Church of Christ 