Joshua was terrified.

No, the Bible doesn’t expressly state this. However, the phrase “be strong and courageous” is used four times in Joshua chapter 1. FOUR TIMES! When a phrase is put on repeat, it’s because you desperately need to focus in on that one truth. Not only that, but we hear it used from two sources –God and the people. We aren’t privy to Joshua’s thoughts, words, responses, or feelings regarding his new role. But based on what is communicated to him I believe it’s safe to say he was scared. Leading the Israelites after their captivity in Egypt was quite a task. By the time they crossed the Jordan River, the population was estimated to be about 2 million people. Not only were there a lot of people, but they were also known for being complainers. They spoke negatively about Moses, one of the greatest leaders in Scripture, as if he was the source of all their problems. They were hesitant to follow instructions and often insisted on going their own way rather than the way they were being led (physically and spiritually).

This is what Joshua was looking at when he assumed leadership of Israel. But it was so much more than that too. The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua also represented a transition in the mission of the nation. To this point they had left Egypt and wandered the wilderness for about 40 years. They had lived a nomadic life being ready to pack up and leave at a moment’s notice for an entire generation. But now they had arrived. The Promised Land was right in front of them. They were no longer to be a wandering nation, but a conquering nation. No longer nomads, but soldiers. There is only one record of Joshua having any military knowledge or expertise (Exodus 17). He is primarily a background character serving as an assistant to Moses. Not someone serving next to Moses with authority and power, but someone coming behind him. For example, Joshua didn’t enter the Tabernacle with Moses, but waited until after Moses left. He was a man of character and faith to be sure. But he was no mighty warrior or military leader.

Initially when reading this account, I wondered how someone so scared would be able to lead the Israelites into battle. How could this man, shaking in his boots as he was, stand in front of a (largely untrained) army and lead the charge? Wouldn’t the size of his fear disqualify him?

As I’m writing this, I’m taken waaay back to my teenage years. My first “real job” was at Kroger. They were building a new store and had a mass hiring event. I showed up, applied, interviewed and was hired all in the span of a few hours. When discussing the position I wanted, the manager suggested a cashier. I remember distinctly the catch in my throat as I attempted to respond. I was so afraid I asked to be hired as a bagger instead. Within three months I was promoted to cashier. My fear held me back from something I was perfectly capable of doing (and the extra money that came with it). Every time God has asked me to do something it has been something that felt too big for me (in ministry and in life). Just like Joshua. The idea that I might fail, not just myself but God and others, can be crippling at times. The consequences of failure for Joshua were not just his own confidence. Lives hung in the balance should he fail this task. But God spoke clearly as I was contemplating Joshua’s fear. Feelings are not failure.

In other words, fear (or any other feeling) does not disqualify you for what God is asking you to do. God sees you no differently whether you’re afraid or not. He loves you no differently. His plan for you doesn’t change because you feel fear. Fear only has the power you give it. It only holds you back to the degree you submit to it.

The alternative God provided Joshua, and still provides to us today, is faith. The Junior Bible Quiz definition of faith is belief or complete trust in God. Instead of submitting to his fear, Joshua chose to trust God. He clung to God’s promises. He believed what God told him. He trusted God’s love for him and God’s plan for the future – both his and the nation’s. In the midst of his crippling fear Joshua chose to trust God. We have that same choice.

Turns out, Joshua was a brilliant military strategist. Not necessarily because he received the best training and experience prior to assuming leadership. Rather, he found when he listened and followed God, every battle he fought was won. God knew from the beginning of Joshua’s story that what Joshua needed to succeed more than anything was faith – belief and trust in God. THAT Joshua had in abundance. Enough to lead 2 million people. Enough to transition a nation of nomads into soldiers. Enough to overcome his own fear.

On a practical level, as a counselor I work with many people who have submitted to their fears. Anxiety has become a buzz word in our culture, but in its simplest form it can be defined as fear of the future. There are practical tools for addressing fear that can be utilized to help us trust God in the face of that fear. Things like talking to someone, focusing on the present, living one day at a time, prayer, Scripture memorization, exercise, taking deep breaths, and grounding techniques can all help to put our fear in its place when it feels debilitatingly powerful. Whether God is asking you to work at Kroger or lead a nation to war, He knows exactly how you feel. It changes nothing. His love and plan for you are still perfect. His promises are still true. So be strong and courageous. Face the fear. Trust God. Continue in faith. If my words aren’t enough to encourage you, I challenge you to put the same phrase on repeat that God gave to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Grace and peace,

Crystal Neff

Editor: Crystal lives in rural Missouri where she serves as Assistant Youth Pastor alongside her husband. She also works as a Counselor in a community behavioral health agency. She loves to nerd out about both the Bible and the brain. She also enjoys spending time with her family, sitting in the sun, reading, and crocheting. Her favorite dessert is a bowl of cereal. She would love to pray with you, encourage you, and/or speak at your event. You can reach her at crystal@tophannibal.com

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