Be Strong and Courageous

God has an amazing plan for your life. You are strategically positioned to take new territory for the Kingdom of Light. It looks different for every person—your gifts, your education, your family, your neighborhood—but one thing is the same for all of us: everyone has a role to play and a territory to take.

The book of Joshua is more than history; it’s a call to courage. Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses, standing before hundreds of thousands of people waiting for direction. God told him, “Be strong and very courageous… keep this Book of the Law always on your lips.” Joshua’s confidence wasn’t rooted in his own strength but in God’s presence.

God’s presence fuels courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing faith in the face of fear. “Do it scared.”That’s the heartbeat of courage. You step out even when you’re uncertain because you know God is already there.

And courage spreads. When Joshua stood firm, others followed. Courage is contagious. Every act of bold obedience—whether standing for truth, starting a conversation about faith, or taking a new opportunity—can inspire others to do the same.

Faith Requires Stepping Out

The journey into the Promised Land began with a step of faith. The Jordan River was overflowing, but Joshua told the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and walk straight in. As soon as their feet touched the water, it stopped flowing. God made a way through what seemed impossible.

Faith is not passive—it moves. Faith is the activator of God’s power and always requires action. You can’t see the miracle until you take the first step. The same pattern continued at Jericho. God didn’t ask for military tactics; He asked for trust. The people marched, obeyed, and shouted—and the walls fell.

It didn’t make sense, but God was showing them again that His way wins. The path of faith often looks foolish to the world, but obedience opens the door for God’s glory. And when Joshua looked back, he could say with confidence:

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45)

What God has spoken, stays unbroken. The same God who fulfilled His promises to Joshua will fulfill His promises to you.

Inheritance Isn’t a Trophy—It’s a Trust

After years of wandering and warfare, the people of Israel finally received their inheritance. Joshua divided the land among the tribes—fields, vineyards, and homes they didn’t build. They were blessed beyond measure, but their inheritance came with responsibility.

Inheritance isn’t a trophy—it’s a trust. Everything we have—our opportunities, freedom, education, relationships, and even our faith—was built by others before us. We stand on the shoulders of people who prayed, served, sacrificed, and led so we could receive what we did not earn.

The right response is not pride, but stewardship. We are called to take what we’ve been given and pass it on. To use our blessings to bless others. To make disciples, build ministries, and create spaces where others can experience God’s grace.

Joshua didn’t finish the work completely—but he paved the way for those who came after him. His story points us to another leader with an even greater mission. In Hebrew, Joshua’s name is Yeshua—the same name we know as Jesus. Joshua led God’s people into the Promised Land; Jesus leads us into the Kingdom of God.

Joshua gave Israel rest from their enemies. Jesus gives us rest for our souls.

So take courage. Step out in faith. Steward what you’ve been given well. Because God’s promises are still true, His presence is still near, and His power still makes a way where there seems to be none.

Message recap adapted from October 5, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton

Message Notes & Slides

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