“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”- Martin Luther King Jr.
Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:1-8
Change is inevitable. Loss is painful and especially the death of someone who was our pillar of strength. But forward movement requires faith—a faith anchored not in our circumstances, but in God’s unchanging character.
After the death of Moses, Joshua stood at the threshold of a daunting task: leading Israel into the Promised Land. It was at this critical juncture that God offered Joshua four powerful reassurances, each of them relevant to us today as we seek the courage of faith to move forward.
- Provision Promised
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” — Joshua 1:3 (NKJV)
God promised provision ahead of Joshua’s steps. The land was already given—it was not about Joshua’s ability but God’s supply.
Scholar Warren Wiersbe reflects:
“God’s commandments are also God’s enablements; when He tells us to go forward, we can do so confidently because He has already made provision for us.”
In life, when new responsibilities or unexpected transitions arise, God reassures us that He has already placed provision along the path He calls us to walk.
- Promise Given Through Moses Still Applicable
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” — Joshua 1:5 (NKJV)
The death of Moses might have shaken the people, but God’s promise was not tied to one man. Moses had been their pillar leader—the one who emotionally, spiritually, and practically supported Israel through trials and triumphs. Yet, while the human pillar had fallen, the eternal God remained standing.
Theologian Matthew Henry aptly notes:
“Though instruments are broken or laid aside, the same hand of Providence carries on the same work.”
When people we depend on are no longer with us—whether through death, distance, or changes in circumstance—the promise of God continues unwavering. His plans do not expire with human leaders, or our loved ones.
- Protection Assured
“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life.” — Joshua 1:5 (NKJV)
Facing hostile nations and fortified cities, Joshua needed reassurance. God guaranteed divine protection against opposition.
Charles Spurgeon captures this truth beautifully:
“The presence of God puts a wall of fire round about His people, making them invincible until their work is done.”
Likewise, when we step out in faith, resistance may come. But God’s protection stands as an invisible shield. We need not fear opposition when our assignment is under divine guard.
- Presence of God Assured
“I will not leave you nor forsake you.” — Joshua 1:5 (NKJV)
This is perhaps the most precious reassurance—God’s abiding presence.
John Calvin once said:
“Without the presence of God, nothing is safe or stable.”
Whether in times of triumph or trial, it is His presence that steadies us. Joshua was told repeatedly to be strong and courageous, not because of his own might, but because the Almighty walked with him every step. God’s presence is the anchor that gives us the courage to move forward into the unknown.
Conclusion: Moving Forward by Faith
God’s 4 P’s of reassurance to Joshua are also true God’s for us today:
Provision is prepared, Promises still stand, Protection is certain, Presence of God with us is assured.
Though our pillar leaders may come and go, the God who upholds us never changes. What remains is our response:
Will we have the courage of faith to move forward?
“Be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7) is not a mere suggestion—it’s a divine call backed by the unchanging nature of God.
