Joshua's Courage: Stepping into Your Next Season
Jerry Mkombelo
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10-17Mia: We all seem to pray for change, for that next level, but you know, we kind of hate facing the actual process of it. It’s like when you ask for a promotion and then panic when you see the new responsibilities.
Mars: Exactly. It reminds me of this powerful story about adjusting to a massive change—the story of Joshua stepping into Moses's shoes. It’s a perfect case study in how to navigate that transition from what was to what's next with real courage.
Mia: Right. So we're diving into a pivotal moment where a nation mourns its legendary leader, Moses, and faces the daunting task of moving forward. This is the story of Joshua, a soldier, not a prophet, standing at the edge of the Jordan River, the threshold between their past and their future. God's command to him was stark: 'Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan.' This wasn't a moment of comfort, but a command for faith-driven action, pushing the Israelites into their next season.
Mars: Exactly. God didn't offer platitudes; He issued an instruction. It powerfully illustrates that faith isn't found in funerals or dwelling on loss, but in the courage to take the next step, even when the path ahead is unclear. Sometimes God won’t explain the loss—He’ll just say, “Get up and lead.”
Mia: So, Joshua is thrust into leadership after a monumental loss, and God's directive is clear: move. This sets the stage for how he was meant to lead. But what was the foundation of his leadership, and how did he truly conquer? Let's talk about that.
Mars: Well, Joshua's appointment wasn't based on talent alone, but on his proven faithfulness. God's direct instruction to him was to 'Be strong and courageous. Keep My Word in your mouth. Don’t look left or right.' This wasn't just motivational hype; it was the divine blueprint for his conquest of Canaan and the path for anyone called to lead.
Mia: I see. So it's a specific set of instructions, not just a pep talk.
Mars: This is crucial. Courage isn't about believing *you* can do it; it's about believing *God's with you* and trusting His instructions. The emphasis on the Word as his 'weapon' and the warning against distraction shows that spiritual leadership requires a singular focus on obedience and divine alignment, a stark contrast to today's ambition without discipline.
Mia: That makes sense. Don't look left or right feels very specific.
Mars: So, when God says 'don't look left or right,' what is He really saying to us today? It's about avoiding the distractions of worldly success on one side, or the anxieties of the unknown on the other, isn't it? It's about maintaining that singular focus on the calling, that alignment with God's will. And I think that is precisely what's missing when we see so much ambition without true purpose or discipline in leadership today.
Mia: That focus on obedience and the Word is powerful. It's the core of conquering your calling. But what if you're still grieving a past season, still holding onto yesterday's pain, even as God calls you forward? That's the challenge many face, and it's our next focus.
Mars: And it's a very real challenge. We all have a 'Jordan River' – that fear, that comfort zone, or that nagging voice saying 'you're not ready.' Joshua himself had to lead while still grieving Moses, demonstrating that we cannot reach our promised land if we cling to yesterday's pain. The instruction is to move forward, even if your voice shakes, because faith is about following instructions, not waiting for feelings.
Mia: Interesting. So you act first, and the feelings follow. Not the other way around.
Mars: This is so relatable. We often get stuck in mourning past seasons or relationships, preventing us from embracing the new opportunities God is presenting. The key takeaway here is that forward motion, driven by obedience, is the only way to break free from that inertia and step into destiny, regardless of lingering emotions.
Mia: Indeed, releasing the past is critical. This idea of transitions and overcoming fear resonates deeply, especially in cultures that understand rapid shifts. How does this concept of change as a 'calling moment' play out in broader cultural contexts, like in Africa?
Mars: In many African cultures, transitions—new leaders, new seasons, new challenges—are common, yet often met with panic because comfort can overshadow calling. Joshua's narrative serves as a powerful reminder that change is not chaos, but a divine calling moment. This message, 'Be strong and courageous,' is directly relevant to young people in Kenya facing new systems and struggles today.
Mia: That's a great point. So it's about reframing change itself.
Mars: Absolutely. The idea that courage is the 'currency of destiny' is profound. It means that regardless of the specific field—music, ministry, or any movement—the willingness to step forward despite fear is what ultimately unlocks our potential and allows us to manifest what God has put in our hearts.
Mia: Courage as the currency of destiny—a powerful thought. So, as we wrap up, what's the ultimate takeaway from Joshua's journey and God's promise to him that applies directly to us today?
Mars: Well, Joshua's leadership wasn't about pride, but about presence and obedience. The ultimate assurance he received was God's unchanging promise: 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.' This same promise is for us today, reminding us that we don't need to replicate the past, but simply obey the One who never changes.
Mia: That's the core of it, then. The presence.
Mars: It's the ultimate source of strength. It shifts the focus from our own capabilities to the unwavering presence of God. To sum it all up, I think there are a few critical points. First, faith requires forward motion, even when you're hurting. Second, true courage comes from obeying God's Word, not from self-reliance. Third, you absolutely must release past pain to step into your new season. And finally, remember that change isn't chaos; it’s a calling. Courage is the currency you use to answer it, all built on the foundation of God’s unchanging promise to be with you.
Mia: A powerful reminder that God's presence is our constant. Thank you, Mars, for guiding us through Joshua's journey and the vital lessons on adjusting to change with strength and courage.