Based on Joshua 1:6–9
Opening Thought
Life is unpredictable — wars erupt, tragedies strike, people disappoint us, and fear creeps in. Yet in the middle of chaos, God still calls His people to live boldly. Just as He told Joshua thousands of years ago, He tells us today: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
The Call to Courage
When Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses’ death, the Israelites faced enormous challenges: crossing the Jordan River, conquering fortified cities like Jericho, and claiming the land God had promised. But before any battle was fought, God reminded them that victory was rooted not in military strength — but in obedience, courage, and focus on His promises.
Staying Focused on God’s Goals
After the miraculous fall of Jericho, Israel was riding high — until they suffered an unexpected defeat at a small city called Ai. The cause? Hidden sin. A man named Achan disobeyed God’s command, and the nation paid the price.
His story illustrates three common traps that derail our focus and fuel fear:
- Distractions – “I saw…”
We get sidetracked by shiny things, temptations, or lesser priorities that pull our attention away from God. - Desire – “I coveted…”
What we see, we often begin to want — even when it’s not ours to take. - Disobedience – “I took…”
Desire leads to action, and sin leads us into hiding.
These three steps — distraction, desire, and disobedience — still sabotage us today. Whether it’s addiction, anger, dishonesty, unhealthy relationships, or secret habits, the pattern hasn’t changed. But neither has God’s grace.
Four Steps to Refocus and Live Without Fear
Joshua 1:7 outlines a clear path to a fearless, focused life:
1. Be Determined — “Be strong and courageous.”
This isn’t about trying harder in our own strength. It’s about relying on God’s strength and facing what we’d rather avoid.
Ask yourself: What am I refusing to deal with that God wants me to confront?
2. Be Aware — “Be careful…”
Spiritual awareness is key. Identify the areas where you’re most vulnerable and guard them.
Ask yourself: What weaknesses does the enemy keep exploiting in my life?
3. Be Obedient — “…obey all the law…”
Obedience is love in action. We can’t say we love Jesus and then live however we want.
Ask yourself: What commands of God am I ignoring or delaying?
4. Be Committed — “Do not turn from it to the right or to the left.”
Partial commitment leads to partial results. Whether in your marriage, finances, health, or walk with Christ, half-hearted devotion will hold you back.
Ask yourself: Where am I lukewarm, and what’s keeping me from going “all in” with God?
Facing Your “Jericho” and Crossing Your “Jordan”
Every believer has a Jericho — an obstacle that seems impossible. Every believer has a Jordan — a barrier that must be crossed. And every believer has an Ai — a place of failure that can either define you or refine you.
The message of Joshua is this: with God’s strength, you can overcome them all.
Fear is a liar. It tells you that you’re powerless, that you’re unworthy, that you’re too far gone. But Scripture says otherwise: “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
A Final Challenge
What’s the next step God is calling you to take?
- Is it repentance and surrender?
- Is it repairing a relationship?
- Is it stepping into a new season of obedience, ministry, or leadership?
Whatever it is, step forward. God specializes in parting rivers, tearing down walls, and redeeming broken stories. Your job is to trust, obey, and move forward — without fear.
A Prayer for Courage
“Lord, help us to be people of faith, not fear. Give us strength to face our battles, awareness of our weaknesses, obedience to Your Word, and unwavering commitment to Your call. We trust that with You, every wall can fall and every promise can be fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Next Steps
- If you’re new to faith: Consider praying to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- If you’re a believer: Reflect on the four steps this week — determination, awareness, obedience, and commitment — and identify one area where God is calling you deeper.
✅ Home Application: Spend five minutes daily meditating on Joshua 1:6–9. Write down one action step God is prompting you to take and commit to doing it this week.
