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JOSHUA—GENERAL OF GOD’S ARMY Joshua was approaching 90 years of age when called on by God to lead a seven-plus-year war against entrenched enemies. At age 90, Joshua graduated from prep school. He had followed Moses for 40 years, everywhere he went. He had learned to obey and see God at work in protecting the nation of Israel, and providing for their daily needs. But now the legendary presence of that monumental man from Egypt is gone.
There were giants, there were huge walled cities and vast armies, and there was this group of people that hadn’t been exactly cooperative with Moses. And what would be a normal human response? FEAR. And that is exactly what the Lord confronts and comforts Joshua about – be courageous, don’t fear if I am with you.
GOD’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS God speaks to Joshua, and gives him a promise — Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
There is one solution for facing trouble – take God with you.
There is an antidote for fear – experiencing God’s Presence.
Joshua had cultivated this Word Filled Life while he was in the military and in politics. The hectic schedule and constant life on the road heading to and from battles never stopped him from time with the Lord.
JOSHUA’S SPIRITUAL BIOGRAPHY Then his second career as the leader of the Nation of Israel also found time for the Lord twice daily! His habits built up in his youth served him well. He loved to spend time in God’s Presence and learn all he could at the Tent of Meeting – kind of like church and Sunday School. When he was older that habit of investing time for God to the exclusion of other activities never left Joshua. How did General Joshua Ben-Nun ever do it as a career military and political leader?
o HE STARTED A HABIT WHEN HE WAS A YOUNG MAN: Exodus 33:11 So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. Joshua stayed on with the Lord. He loved to hang around the Tent of Meeting with God. o HE OBEYED GOD’S COMMAND: Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua loved God’s Word to stay on his mind and in his mouth.