Be strong and courageous! These were the words often repeated to Joshua and the people he led, namely, the Israelites as they moved from wandering in the wilderness to eventually crossing into the land they were promised to inherit. As they entered into so many battles in reclaiming the land, God’s people were usually outnumbered but never out-powered. They were unequipped but never overwhelmed. What was the key to this seven-year period sometimes called the “glory days” for God’s people? Where did they get this courage? Where do we? 

Joshua 1:1-9

God Commissions Joshua

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Can you think of a time in your life when you were faced with an overwhelming challenge you needed to confront? What was it and how did you respond? 

2. Read Joshua 1:1-9. What was the key to the courage Joshua seemed to possess as he led God’s people? (See verses 5, 8-9.)

3. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God’s Story) help us remain strong and courageous as we swim upstream against the currents of this world? 

4. The word “inheritance” is used over fifty times in the book of Joshua. Do you know of your inheritance found in Christ? (Read Ephesians 3:13-14; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 8:16-17.)

5. What steps can you take to make more space for conversations with God (and with others) in your normal day, especially when you are facing so many battles? 

6. Share how you might pray for one another or those you know who are facing some tough battles - physically, spiritually, mentally, or even emotionally - right now. Take some time to actually pray!

For Families with Kids

Memory Verse: Leviticus 26:12 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!    

1. Joshua followed some very unusual instructions from God. Take turns giving each other some unusual instructions to see who is listening well. If God gave us instructions, what might He say? Is there someone God is asking you to show kindness to? Talk about it as a family.

2. Pray, “Thank You that, because of Jesus, your Holy Spirit lives in us. Help break down the walls that keep us from getting close to and hearing from You. Open our eyes so we find ways to show Your love to each other. Amen .”