“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.”
Joshua 1:9

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READ: Joshua 1:1–9

Have you ever taken on a project or started a job in which the person who preceded you was awesome? Perhaps the star salesperson at your company has retired, and you’re now expected to surpass her amazing sales record. Or perhaps you’re making homemade lasagna for your Italian mother-in-law, who could bake delicious, authentic lasagna in her sleep! Or maybe you’re throwing your child’s first big birthday party, and all the neighborhood families will be there. You can’t help but worry, Can I throw as good a party as Missy Johnson’s mom— who threw the birthday party with the bouncy house, those amazing party favors, and the 3-D Bluey® birthday cake?

Following in the footsteps of a great salesperson, chef, or party planner can be intimidating. But imagine you’re Joshua—and more than a mediocre lasagna is at stake: the entire nation of Israel is counting on you to lead them. Yikes! This is the situation Joshua faced after Israel’s great leader, Moses, died, and he was tapped as Moses’ replacement. How can I be half the leader Moses was? Joshua may have wondered. Will God be with me? What if I fail?

But just like Moses, Joshua had a secret weapon: God was in charge. In Joshua 1:1, God speaks boldly, reassuring His new leader that God will be present with him at every turn. He’s got this. Joshua will lead Israel into the Promised Land because God will be with him. Three times in the first nine verses of Joshua 1, God repeats the phrase “Be strong and courageous.” Twice, God cautions Joshua to “Be careful” to obey and follow God’s commands. And twice, God promises to “be with” Joshua. Just two short letters: B-E, but there’s so much power in that little word: Be strong. Be courageous. Be careful. I will be with you.

Each of us faces challenges in life that may seem beyond us. And yet, in the big and small hurdles we face, God promises to be with us.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

He’ll Always Be With Me | Karen S. | Willow South Barrington

My “Be” moment occurred in 2018. Within that year, I experienced the ending of a 25-year marriage in divorce and relational betrayals around decisions made with my father’s late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. On top of that, my professional and spiritual life was turned upside down by the events that occurred at Willow, where I worked.

As I attempted to find my way through this season of chaos and pain, I discovered the Recover groups at Willow. I learned this group was not only for helping people with addictions but also for helping people navigate relational issues. Through this program, I was able to process the pains and abuses I’d endured in my past and chart a better way forward for myself and my kids.

Looking back over the past seven years—as I worked through the stigma of divorce, the betrayal of family, and disillusionment of church—I’m in awe of the strength and courage that God gave me to get through this tough season of my life. Through the Recover groups, I experienced a community of women who walked alongside me and repeatedly pointed me back to God, who was, is, and always will be with me, wherever I go. I have never been happier, and for that, God deserves all the glory.

DID YOU KNOW?

On Day 4, we learned that Moses changed Joshua’s name from Hoshua (“salvation” in Hebrew) to Joshua, which means “the Lord saves.” Theologians look at Joshua as the forerunner of Jesus, whose name also translates to “Joshua” in Hebrew. God would use Joshua to help Israel conquer the sins and evils of the new land they would enter, just as Jesus helps us conquer sin and death in our own lives through His resurrection.

A PRAYER

God, help me remember that no matter what challenges I face, I can be strong and courageous because I know You’ll be with me. Help me claim those two letters—BE—as I step into the opportunities You place before me. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” In what area of your life do you find it hard to be strong or courageous? How might the little word “Be” help?

God commanded Joshua to embrace the Book of the Law (the Scripture of their day), and to “meditate on it, day and night.” Describe your current (or future) plans to become more familiar with God’s Word.