Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Matthew 28:20b; Hebrews 13:5-6

Be Strong and Courageous to:

• Lead people to the Lord
• Do God’s Will
• Trust God all the way

God's Command: Be Strong and Courageous - not an option

God's Reason: I will be with you.

Why must you be strong and courageous this year?

1. You Will Face Unusual Circumstances

= uncertainties ahead

• Circumstance: Moses is dead = big problem
• Challenge: Time to move on, move in, move up
• Move on = out of the wilderness
• Move in = into the Promised Land
• Move up - up North and down South, East and West of the Jordan River

2. You Will Receive an Unusual Calling and Promotion

Commission: Joshua was called upon, promoted and commissioned.

Joshua chose to obey God and His Word, and to trust in Him completely.

God told Joshua to be strong and courageous 3 times (vv.6, 7, 9)

Why? Because there were 3 impossible situations to face:

• The flooded Jordan River to cross
• The impenetrable Jericho wall to destroy
• The giants and enemies to fight

3. You Can Experience Unusual Breakthrough and Victory

The miracle of:

• crossing the Jordan River on dry ground
• silence and a shout that brought down the wall of Jericho
• defeating the enemies and claiming the land

Isa 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7

Be strong and courageous - not be strong and confident

God wants to use you to fulfil His will and purposes in and through your life.

Rom 8:31; 1 Peter 4:11

God's Command: Be Strong and Courageous

God's Reason: I will be with you

God wants you to step out by faith to follow His will for your life.

Will you be that willing vessel for Him to use this year?