Team Talk
Bible Heroes
The Life of Joshua
The Book of Joshua continues the story of the Israelites after the exodus from Egypt. The book
chronicles the approximately 20 years of Joshua’s leadership of the people after Moses anointed
him at the end of Deuteronomy.
One of the key verses of the Book of Joshua is 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your
mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” The
Old Testament is replete with stories of how the people “forgot” God and His Word and suffered
terrible consequences. For the Christian, the Word of God is our lifeblood. If we neglect it, our lives
will suffer accordingly. But if we take to heart the principle of verse 1:8, we will be complete and
able to be of use in God’s kingdom (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and we will find that God’s promises in
Joshua 1:8-9 will be ours as well.
Joshua is a prime example of the benefits of a worthy mentor. For years he remained close to
Moses. He watched Moses as he followed God in an almost flawless manner. He learned to pray in a
personal way from Moses. He learned how to obey through the example of Moses. Joshua
apparently also learned from the negative example that cost Moses the joy of actually entering the
Promised Land.
Here’s 5 Lessons From the Life of Joshua
1. God took 60 years to prepare Joshua for his leadership.
Joshua spent 20 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness and then 50 in the Promised Land. God
used the first 60 years of Joshua’s life – as a slave for the Egyptians and an assistant to Moses – to
prepare him to lead God’s people into the Promised Land.
Are you waiting on God? If you are in a season of waiting or an “in between” season, keep hanging
on. God is refining us and preparing us for what He has next. He wants us to surrender all of our
lives to him and trust that in His good timing, He will use our story, our struggles, and our talents for
His glory.
Be patient. Your story is not finished yet.
2. Joshua was a man of courage.
Joshua was told four times in chapter 1 to be courageous. Perhaps he was afraid more times than
the passage tells us. But he did not shrink back in fear! He overcame every obstacle the enemy put
into his path and he courageously took a hold of the Promised Land.
Joshua fixed his eyes on the promises of God rather than fearing the obstacles of the enemy.
Is there something in your life that feels risky? We are all in a spiritual battle of some sort. It takes
courage to stand up to sin in this world. It takes courage to speak the truth in love. It takes courage
to forgive and take risks in relationships. It takes courage to trust God with our finances and our
children and our futures.
God honors courag e. Stand on God’s promises today rather than fearing the obstacles of the
enemy.
Continue…
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