You Have Everything You Need: Lessons from Joshua's Journey
An abstract of Connor Kraus’ sermon on January 12, 2025, in the Joshua series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever felt like you weren't ready for a big challenge? Maybe it was starting a new job, moving to a different city, or dealing with a difficult situation. If so, you're not alone. In fact, one of the Bible's greatest leaders faced similar feelings when he stepped into a massive responsibility.
In the Book of Joshua, we meet a man who had some incredibly big shoes to fill. Moses, one of the most famous leaders in the Bible, had just died. Now Joshua had to lead an entire nation into their promised homeland. Talk about pressure!
But here's the amazing thing: God didn't just throw Joshua into the deep end and say "good luck!" Instead, He gave Joshua a powerful promise that still speaks to us today: "I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you."
Think about that for a moment. The same God who parted the Red Sea, provided food in the desert, and guided the Israelites with a pillar of fire was telling Joshua, "I've got your back." This wasn't just a pat on the shoulder – it was a guarantee from the Creator of the universe.
But God's message to Joshua didn't stop there. Three times, God told Joshua to "be strong and courageous." Why repeat it so many times? Because God knew that even with His divine power backing him up, Joshua still had a part to play. He needed to step out in faith and take action.
Here's where it gets really interesting: God told Joshua that the key to his success wasn't having the biggest army or the best battle plans. Instead, it was something much simpler but deeper – staying connected to God's Word. God told Joshua to "meditate on it day and night" and to carefully follow all the instructions he had been given.
This might sound strange to us today. Imagine telling a modern leader that the secret to success isn't studying strategy or building connections, but spending time reading and thinking about God's Word! Yet this is exactly what God prescribed for Joshua's success.
So what does this ancient story mean for us today?
First, if you've trusted in Jesus, you have the same powerful Holy Spirit with you that Joshua had. That means you have everything you need to face whatever challenges come your way. Not because you're super talented or have it all figured out, but because God promises to be with you.
Second, just like Joshua, you have a part to play. Having God's power available doesn't mean sitting back and doing nothing. God calls us to "be strong and courageous" – to step out in faith and actually do the things He's called us to do.
Finally, success in God's eyes might look different than what we expect. It's not about becoming rich or famous. Instead, it's about faithfully following God's path for our lives, making a positive difference in others' lives, and helping more people know about God's love.
Maybe you're facing something that seems too big to handle. Perhaps you're trying to break a bad habit, learn to forgive someone who hurt you, or find the courage to share your faith with others. Remember Joshua's story. God hasn't called you to do anything He hasn't equipped you to handle.
Yes, you might feel afraid or discouraged sometimes – even Joshua needed multiple reminders to be courageous! But God's promise remains the same: "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
So today, take a moment to remember two things: You have all you need to do what God has called you to do, and He is with you every step of the way. Now, like Joshua, it's time to be strong and courageous and step forward into whatever God has placed before you.
Your Next Step
If you found this message helpful, and it raised your curiosity about Joshua’s story and other people from the Bible, we encourage you to get plugged in at a good, Bible-teaching church like ours. Plan a visit today.