15 December Joshua 1

When God calls you

Joshua 1:1-9 (AMP) 1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant (attendant), saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore [a]arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the [b]sons of Israel. 3 I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness [of Arabia in the south] and this Lebanon [in the north], even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates [in the east], all the land of the [c]Hittites (Canaan), and as far as the Great [Mediterranean] Sea toward the west shall be your territory. 5 No man will [be able to] stand before you [to oppose you] as long as you live. Just as I was [present] with Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you. 6 Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be [d]successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This is such a powerful passage. It tells the story of a man being called by God to take over from one of the most powerful leaders in the Bible—Moses. Moses was a man who experienced God face-to-face, who had countless encounters with the Almighty, and who led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Now, the time has come for God to fulfil His promise and lead His people into the Promised Land. However, due to Moses’s disobedience, he will not be granted this privilege.

Moses has now passed away, and the 40 years in the wilderness have come to an end. It is a new day, a new season, and the time has come for a new leader to rise and lead God’s people into the promise—the vision God has for His people.

As we read this passage, we receive a clear message on how to step into leadership and guide others into what God has prepared for them. Joshua didn’t carry the same profile as Moses, but he had exactly what was needed to lead the people into their destiny. Remember, 40 years earlier, while most lacked faith, it was Joshua and Caleb who had the faith to take the land. Even as a young man, Joshua was being prepared for this moment of leadership.

Lessons from This Passage:

*1. Joshua heard from the Lord.*

“The Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun.”

Joshua didn’t receive his calling from people—it came directly from God. What an empowering place to be: to know that you are called by the Almighty. When God calls you, He will be with you. What a divine partnership!

*2. Joshua knew how to serve.*

“Moses’ servant (attendant).”

Before you can lead, you must first learn how to serve. Joshua served faithfully under Moses. As leaders, we are called to be servant leaders—putting others first and carrying the responsibility of leading them into God’s promises.

*3. Take up your position.*

“Now therefore arise [to take his place].”

There is a big difference between being second-in-command and being the leader. Once you're in charge, the full weight of responsibility becomes yours. Joshua had to step up and take his place in order to lead the people into God’s plan.

*4. Cross over into the new season.*

“Cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.”

Joshua had to lead the people from a wilderness mentality—"just enough"—to a Promised Land mentality—"more than enough." This wasn’t easy. It required new skills, new ways of thinking, and a deeper trust in God. They had to break old mindsets and embrace God’s abundance.

*5. When God calls, He provides.*

“I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses.”

Where God gives vision, He also gives provision. Before Joshua ever took possession of the land, God had already given it to him in a promise. Joshua simply needed to take hold of what was already his by faith and obedience.

*6. When God calls you, He will be with you.*

“No man will be able to stand before you as long as you live. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you.”

God reassures Joshua that His presence will be with him. No man would be able to stand against him—not because of Joshua’s strength, but because God was with him. When God calls us, He never sends us alone. He promises His presence every step of the way.

*7. God’s call does not mean it will be easy.*

“Be strong and confident and courageous.”

God never promised it would be easy, but He does call us to be strong, courageous, and confident in Him. There will be battles, challenges, and opposition—but we are called to trust God, believe His promises, and stand firm in faith.

*8. Obedience is the key to success.*

“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do everything in accordance with the entire law… do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go.”

True success comes from walking in obedience. As leaders, we must remain in close relationship with God, follow His Word, and walk in integrity. Then, and only then, will we prosper and succeed in what God has called us to do.

*9. Stay close to God and His Word.*

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read and meditate on it day and night… for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.”

A thriving leader stays rooted in God’s Word. Speaking it, meditating on it, and applying it daily is the pathway to divine success. God’s Word guides, sustains, and empowers us.

This passage is more than a leadership transition—it’s a divine blueprint for stepping into God’s calling with confidence, courage, and clarity. Just as Joshua was prepared and positioned for his assignment, so too are we—called to rise, to cross over, and to lead God’s people into His promises.

The story of Joshua’s commissioning is not just about leadership succession—it’s about stepping boldly into God’s promises with faith, obedience, and unwavering trust. Just as Joshua was called, equipped, and empowered by God to lead His people into a new season, so too are we. God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He walks with us, speaks to us, strengthens us, and gives us everything we need to fulfil His purpose.

As leaders in our time, we must be ready to *hear His voice, serve with humility, take our rightful position, step into the new season, and trust God for provision and victory.* The call may be daunting, but His presence is our assurance. The journey may be tough, but obedience is our key to success. And if we remain close to God, rooted in His Word and guided by His Spirit, we will prosper and lead others into the fullness of His promises.

Let us rise up like Joshua—strong, courageous, and fully surrendered—to lead with vision, faith, and God’s anointing into the new territory He has prepared for us. The Promised Land awaits.