Courage to Follow God’s Lead
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Good morning church! Happy mother’s day to all of you mom’s out in the crowd. We are happy to have you here celebrating and hopefully your family is around to make this day extra special. Mark has taken us on a study of two old testament characters, Josiah and Daniel, and I am going to continue that journey today as we look at the life of Joshua. Before we dig into the text, I want to ask a question. Have any of you ever gone skydiving? It is something that I have always wanted to do. I think the thrill of the rushing air, the ground getting closer and closer would be incredible. But imagine with me:
Imagine you’re standing at the open door of an airplane, 13,000 feet in the air. You’re wearing a parachute. You’ve trained. You’ve watched the videos. You’ve been told it’s safe. You even signed the waiver. But now… it’s time to jump. Your heart is racing. Your stomach is in your throat. The wind is loud. Everything in you says: ‘This doesn’t make sense.’
You’ve got all the information. But there’s one thing left to do—take the step. Until you do, you’ll never experience the thrill of the free fall or the joy of the landing. All the preparation in the world doesn’t matter unless you’re willing to trust and jump.
That’s exactly where Joshua was in Joshua 1. He had the promise. He had the plan. But now it was time to take the first step—into leadership, into the Promised Land, into radical trust. What we’re going to see today is that obedience often begins where our comfort ends.
We are on the precipice of big changes here at Fannin. I mean, we already are, right? Our senior pastor resigned, followed shortly by the resignation of our worship pastor. Lay leaders are stepping up and serving in new ways. Shoot. Even the staff are doing things they don’t normally do, or haven’t normally done in a long time. Jennifer is now the “de-facto” behind the scenes back, I can’t say face if it is behind the scenes, so she’s the back, of our worship time, and she is doing a great job, despite how crazy things are, especially the technology. Things are happening. Our search team is busy working trying to find the next senior pastor of our church. It is time for us to take that next step to become the church God wants us to be. And to remember that obedience often begins where our comfort ends.
Before we dive in Joshua 1, let’s understand the journey that led here. think it is important that we look at the context so it can help us better understand the story. Joshua 1 comes right after Deuteronomy in our Bibles, so it makes sense to understand what takes place in Deuteronomy and how that will lead into the book of Joshua.
The book of Deuteronomy is essentially Moses’ farewell speech, his last sermon. The Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith. During this time, Moses served as their leader, guiding them through challenges and teaching them God's laws. The book of Deuteronomy captures Moses' final speeches, where he reiterates God's commandments and prepares the people for life in the Promised Land.
However, Moses himself was not permitted to enter the land due to an earlier act of disobedience. As a result, he climbed Mount Nebo, where God allowed him to see the land from a distance before he died. This moment marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites. Enter Joshua, Moses' assistant and a man of faith and courage. God commissions Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land, assuring him of His presence and urging him to be strong and courageous. This transition is not just a change in leadership but a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as they move from wandering to inheriting the land promised to their ancestors.
Can you imagine how heavy that moment felt? Joshua wasn’t stepping into a new opportunity—he was stepping into Moses’ shoes. He had a massive mission ahead, enemies to face, a grieving people to lead, and a legacy to live up to. And it’s in that pressure, that uncertainty, that fear—that God says four powerful words: ‘Be strong and courageous.’ PAUSE
Maybe you know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by what’s ahead—by what you’re stepping into. If so, Joshua’s story is for you. There are uncertainties when it comes to a church hiring a new pastor. We could get overwhelmed by what’s ahead, or we can have faith and trust in God.
Now that you have a basic sense of the “why” of the book of Joshua, let’s start with Joshua 1:1-5
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “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. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 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. 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.
This land has already been promised to the nation of Israel. Genesis 12:1-7 says
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
So way back in Genesis 12, approximately 470 years before (Galatians 3:17 tells us that the law came 430 years after Abraham made his covenant with God, so 430 plus their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness makes 470), so 470 years before they go out to conquer Canaan, God establishes that place, that land, as Abraham’s inheritance. Not only that but look at Genesis 26:3
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father.
This is God re-stating the covenant that He had made with Abraham to Abraham’s son, Isaac. Now look at Genesis 28:13-15
And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Here, God is reminding the grandson of Abraham, Jacob, of the covenant promise to inherit the land of Canaan. Over and over we see the promises of God given to Abraham and his descendants, promises that God intended to keep.
God had already given them this land. All that was required next was for Joshua to step into it. To take that first step into obedience. Joshua needed to trust God’s promises. So let me ask you this. Are you trusting God’s promises?
God’s promises are certain, but they do require our participation. God is faithful to fulfill His promises—but often, He invites us to partner with Him through obedience, courage and action.
I mean, we see in our main text of Joshua 1:3
Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
Joshua has to put his foot down somewhere in order for it to tread somewhere. But notice this—Joshua and the Israelites still had to march, cross rivers, fight battles, and trust God in real time. Jericho didn’t fall until they marched in silence for seven days. The Jordan River didn’t part until the priests stepped into it. The land was theirs by promise, but they still had to take hold of it by faith. God was saying, “It’s yours.” But he also says, “Now go get it.”
We see another example of a promise that required participation in John 9. A man born blind came to Jesus for healing. After some discussion, Jesus says in John 9:6-7
Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Jesus could have just healed the man with a word. But instead, He spits on the ground, makes mud, puts it on the man’s eyes, and says, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The healing was promised—but it wasn’t received until the man obeyed. God doesn’t need our help, but He invites our participation to grow our faith, stretch our trust, and deepen our dependence on Him.
Are you expecting results without obedience? Victory without a fight? Growth without discipline? You can’t claim the promise if you won’t take the step. And I don’t mean for health, wealth and prosperity, but the truths outlined in Scripture that God has promised us. God will keep His promises—but He usually does it through people who trust Him enough to move.
Let’s continue on in our main text and read Joshua 1:6-7
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 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.
And Joshua 1:9
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.”
Do you think that God is trying to make a point with Joshua in these verses? Do you think he wants him to be strong and courageous? I mean, God repeated that phrase 3 times in those three verses. That must mean it is important huh? Reading that almost makes it seem like Joshua is week or scared, right? But I want you to understand that the basis of courage is not personality or position, but presence.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the decision to move forward, believing God is with you in it. Courage isn’t about being naturally brave or having a leadership title—it’s about knowing who is with you. Look back at Joshua 1:5
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.
Courage is rooted in God’s presence. God doesn’t tell Joshua, “You’re ready now,” or “You’ve got what it takes,” or “You’ve been promoted, so be confident.” He says: “I will be with you.”
Some people are naturally bold, outgoing, type-A leaders. Joshua wasn’t Moses. He wasn’t flashy. He’d spent years in Moses’ shadow. But courage didn’t depend on his wiring—it depended on God’s presence. You don’t have to be fearless to be faithful—you just have to trust who’s with you.
Joshua is stepping into a high-pressure role. He’s now “the guy.” But a title doesn’t make anyone brave. In fact, leadership can often make you feel less secure. That’s why God doesn’t point to the title—He points to the relationship, the truth that He will be with him.
Parents, how many times have you walked somewhere at night, or in the dark, holding your child’s hand. Your kid was able to have the courage to go somewhere or do something because their courage came from who was with them. Real courage doesn’t come from looking within—it comes from looking beside you and realizing God is there.
Now we are going to switch gears and move from chapter 1 to chapter 6. Bear with me as I read Joshua 6:1-20 (I won’t have it on the screens, but you can follow along in your Bibles)
Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.” And he said to the people, “Go forward. March around the city and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the Lord.” And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the Lord went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the Lord following them. The armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually. But Joshua commanded the people, “You shall not shout or make your voice heard, neither shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.” So he caused the ark of the Lord to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord walked on, and they blew the trumpets continually. And the armed men were walking before them, and the rear guard was walking after the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets blew continually. And the second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. So they did for six days. On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city. And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the Lord for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord.” So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
What in the world happened?! I can imagine people hearing the plans and were like “hold up, wait. Is God for real? He wants us to hike and scream?” Ok God. Let’s give this a try. I mean, we need to understand that God's Strategy May Not Make Sense.
That certainly didn’t. We are going to dive a little deeper into that topic more next week when we finish this little character study series on Ezekiel, who Jennifer Daehling wants to have queso with. If that sentence made no sense to you, I want to encourage you to go find our podcast on spotify or apple. Just search Fannin Terrace Baptist Church and you will see interviews with the staff. Once you listen to Jennifer’s, that sentence will make more sense. But anyways. God’s strategy may not make sense. God had already been doing things differently than they were probably used to when it came to battles. In Exodus 17, we see that the Amalekites came to battle the Israelites. This was the battle plan. Exodus 17:11
Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Do what now? All Moses had to do was hold up his arms and the Israelites would win?
Of course he got tired, as anyone would, and Moses’ brother Aaron and Hur had to hold up Moses’ arms long enough for Israel to secure the victory. So seeing God’s unorthodox (at least to man) ways of fighting wasn’t anything new.
To march around the city was not a typical battle plan. But the thing we can learn from this is that obedience precedes understanding. God often calls us to obey before we fully understand His reasons, His timing, or the outcome. Understanding usually comes after obedience, not before. Joshua 3:13
And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”
God didn’t part the Jordan first and then say, “Now walk.” He said, “Step in—and then you’ll see what I can do.” The waters didn’t part until their feet got wet. Going back to Jericho, they obeyed before they understood, and the miracle followed the marching. It was only after they were obedient, even when it made no sense at all. We often want clarity, but God wants trust.
If you have grown up in church, you have heard the verse Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Faith means saying ‘yes’ to God even when the ‘why’ is still missing. If you only obey God when it makes sense to you, you’re not really trusting God—you’re trusting your own understanding.
I have served in small towns throughout Texas, and some before GPS was really a thing (or at least a thing that I could afford.) I could ask someone directions, and they would be like “Drive 3/4 of a mile down the dirt road by Billy Bob’s house. At the first oak tree take a right. If you see a broken down tractor on the left, you have gone too far. After you turn right drive down 2 miles until you see a rottweiler. Make sure it has the red collar on. Not the blue one. That one is mean and is the wrong house. The place you are looking for is right behind the house with the rottweiler with a red collar. NOT blue.
Those are crazy, weird, and very detailed instructions. It may get you to the right place, but it seem’s unusual to say those things, rather than just the street names or address. But it works. And God’s instructions might seem unusual but are always right.
So as we wrap up, let me ask you some questions:
Where is God asking you to obey without full understanding? Don’t wait to understand fully before you start obeying.
What promises of God do you need to trust today (e.g., His presence, His provision, His power)? Identify one and take one step of faith this week.
Practice the presence of God—through Scripture, prayer, and obedience. Where do you need courage this week?
Be strong and courageous—not because of who you are, but because of who is with you.
Trust God’s promises, rely on His presence, and follow His path.
Commit to obeying one specific thing this week, even if it feels risky or doesn't make sense.
