Learning Courage from the Man Who Followed Moses
Stepping into the shoes of a great leader is one of the hardest assignments anyone can face. Whether you’re taking over a family business, accepting a promotion, becoming a new pastor, or simply entering a new season of life, the question is the same: Am I enough for this?
Joshua knew that feeling.
For forty years he had lived in the shadow of Moses, perhaps the greatest leader in Israel’s history. Joshua watched God part the Red Sea through Moses. He climbed Mount Sinai with him. He stood faithfully beside him while an entire generation grumbled and wandered in the wilderness.
Then one day, Moses was gone.
God’s words to Joshua were both simple and overwhelming: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River…” (Joshua 1:2).
There would be no committee to ease the transition. No leadership seminar. No six-month orientation.
Just one command: Go.
Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear
One of the most surprising things about Joshua 1 is how often God tells Joshua to be courageous.
“Be strong and courageous.”
A few verses later:
“Be strong and very courageous.”
And then again:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
If Joshua had naturally been fearless, God would not have needed to repeat Himself.
Real courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward because God has spoken.
That truth has encouraged believers for more than three thousand years.
Success Looks Different in God’s Kingdom
Joshua lived in a culture that measured success by land conquered and battles won.
God measured success differently.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
The world’s definition of success changes every generation. God’s definition never does.
Success begins with obedience.
The most successful person in the room may not be the wealthiest, the most influential, or the most accomplished. It may simply be the person quietly doing what God has called him or her to do.
A Bible Study Designed for Conversation
Joshua’s story is one of the opening lessons in Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem, a new discussion-based Bible study in the Good Questions Have Groups Talking series.
Instead of simply telling participants what the passage means, the study invites them to discover it together through thoughtful questions. Why did God repeat the command to be courageous? What does biblical success really look like? How does God prepare leaders long before they step into leadership?
Those conversations often become the moments people remember long after class is over.
Standing in a Long Tradition
This study also follows a pattern that has blessed churches for generations.
Since the late nineteenth century, millions of Christians have studied the Bible through the International Sunday School Lessons, a coordinated plan that encouraged churches around the world to study the same passages each week. That movement eventually gave rise to resources like the Standard Lesson Commentary, one of the most widely used annual Bible study commentaries in North America.
One reason those materials became so influential is simple: they helped ordinary believers study God’s Word together.
The Good Questions Have Groups Talking series seeks to continue that tradition. While each lesson includes insights from respected Bible scholars, its primary goal is discussion. When people ask questions, wrestle with Scripture together, and apply biblical truth to everyday life, learning becomes personal.
Joshua’s Story Is Our Story
Most of us will never lead a nation across a river.
But all of us will face moments when God asks us to trust Him before we can see the outcome.
A difficult decision.
A new ministry.
A career change.
A family challenge.
An unexpected opportunity.
Joshua reminds us that God does not call people because they are fearless. He calls ordinary people and promises to go with them.
Perhaps that is why the Lord’s words to Joshua continue to resonate after all these centuries:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Those words carried Joshua into the Promised Land.
They are still enough to carry us today.
Want to study Joshua with your class or small group?
Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem contains thirteen discussion-based lessons covering Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, and 2 Samuel. Every lesson includes engaging questions, practical application, insights from trusted Christian writers, and discussion prompts that encourage everyone to participate.
Whether you teach a Sunday School class, lead a home Bible study, or simply enjoy studying Scripture with others, this resource will help your group move beyond information to life-changing conversation.
