God promised Joshua success in taking the Promised Land for His people but the task ahead was daunting; assuming the leadership role of his awesome predecessor (Moses), training nomadic desert-dwellers to use weapons, planning battle-strategy … etc.
But God repeatedly reassured Joshua that he could be strong and courageous:
1) because he was acting on something God had promised him
2) as he was careful to meditate on and align his life to God’s Word
3) because God would always be with him.
I wonder how you are feeling called to equip yourself to serve God?
How is He asking you to step out or move on in faith?
If a sense of inability, lack, fear etc is holding you back, reflect on the three points mentioned:
1) Have you clearly discerned God’s promise and calling?
2) Are you taking time for His living Word to shape, inform and infuse your attitudes, choices, perspective and responses?
3) God is with you. Always. Not just as a companion but as an everpresent help (see also Psalm 46:1)
Perhaps you “need to study for exams, learn and practise skills, or give effort and attention to some other pursuit in becoming who God has called you to be. But when you immerse yourself in God’s word, memorising and living by it, this will keep God’s kingdom purpose in focus, inspiring you to give your best effort, time, resources and talents to achieve His goals” (quoted from my book, The Mirror that Speaks Back, page 95).
Don’t you just love God’s repeated message here? Be strong and courageous
For where God calls He will equip and provide all you need to fulfil His promise as you walk in step with His presence, His will and His ways.