Joshua stood at the border of the unknown. Moses, the nation’s leader, had recently died — and God told Joshua he was to lead the people now.

The Israelites had been at this borderland before.

A generation ago, they could have followed God’s lead and crossed over. Joshua was one of the few who wanted to do so. But the majority of the people let fear and doubt keep them out. As a result, the entire nation wandered through the wilderness for forty long years — grumbling and continuously complaining along the way.

No wonder, then, that when God tells Joshua he is now in charge, He says “be strong and courageous” not once, but three times. God knows Joshua has a difficult task ahead and He promises to be with him every step of the way. God makes the same promise to us today.

When God gives a command, He provides us with the strength to follow it.