Student Devotion Week 6: More Than On Your Own

Key Verse: Joshua 1:1-9, "1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:² “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.³ I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ⁴ Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates —all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.⁵ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.⁶ Be strong and courageous,because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditateon it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Ok, it's Bible Story 101. Time to test your knowledge. What do you remember about Moses and his story? What do you remember about Joshua and his story?

Here's a recap. Moses was God's handpicked leader to free His people from slavery in Egypt. Moses was a just and faithful leader. But due to the people's sin along the journey from Egypt to the promised land, God told Moses that he would never actually enter the land. Next up: Joshua. Joshua was Moses' right-hand man. He had been at Moses' side while Moses was leading the people. Joshua was the heir to the leadership of the Israelites.

Now, take a moment and read Joshua 1:1-9. But before you do, here's some quick background info. Moses had died, God had some words of encouragement. As you read the passage, pay close attention to verse 5. What important message did God give Joshua? If you were in Joshua's shoes, how would this make you feel?

You could spend hours reading about all the ways God was with Moses. And here God was telling Joshua, "You know what? All the awesome stuff I did for Moses? I'm going to do the same for you." What a powerful promise! It must have been just what Joshua needed to get ready to lead God's people.

The important truth is this: God does not call His people to a task without empowering them. God calls you then gives you His strength to carry out the call. As you live out your call, don't forget Joshua and how God promised to be with him