After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites
Joshua 1:1-2
When I was in my third year at the University, I was the prayer coordinator of our departmental fellowship. God had empowered me with revelation gifts that made my work so easy. However, when it comes to leadership, structure or teaching the bible you will be stretching it too far. Guess what? In the following year God spoke to me clearly about becoming the next president. I spent one full week crying and helping God to understand why this was a terrible idea but God didn’t change his mind. The committee unanimously decided I was the next president. My biggest fear at that time was that the outgoing president had done so much, was a highly gifted teacher and had sound leadership acumen that I could not begin to contemplate the idea of his replacement. I thought to myself, I will never be one percent as good however much I try. The problem was that God wasn’t calling me to outdo him, he was calling me into something else, something that only I can do even if I didn’t think that was possible.
Similar to my story, in the first chapter of the book of Joshua, we see a pivotal moment in the life of Joshua. Moses, the great leader who had guided the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, was now dead. Joshua, who had been his assistant, was called by God to step into Moses’ role and lead the people into the Promised Land. This task must have seemed daunting to Joshua. After all, Moses was the greatest leader Joshua had ever known, and it might have been tempting to think that no one could ever fill his shoes, much less himself.
However, God wanted Joshua to realise that it wasn’t about Moses or any other individual’s abilities; it was about God’s power and faithfulness. Just as God had used Moses in incredible ways, He could and would use Joshua. The same God who parted the Red Sea and provided manna from heaven was still with them. God’s promise and power had not diminished with the passing of Moses.
This truth applies to us today as well. It’s easy to look at the great men and women of faith who have gone before us and feel intimidated. We might think that we could never be used by God in such mighty ways. But God’s message to Joshua is His message to us: there is no limit to how much He can use us if we submit to Him. The call to Joshua was clear and direct: “…the time has come for you to lead these people…”
God is calling each of us to greater works. He has a purpose and plan for every one of us. We need to set aside our fears, rise up courageously, and say yes to His call. The same God who empowered Moses and Joshua is ready to empower us today, the question is are you ready to go with him?
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your unwavering faithfulness and power. I am in awe of the great works you have done through your servants throughout history. Sometimes, I feel intimidated by the greatness of those who have gone before me, and I wonder if you can use me in the same way. But today, I choose to trust in your promise and power. I know that you are calling me to greater work, and I am ready to say yes. Give me the courage and strength to step into the role you have prepared for me. Help me to submit fully to your will and to trust that you can and will do mighty things through me.
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