Joshua 1-3, Mark 16 • Key Verse: Joshua 1:9
Knowing and doing are two different things. One can know what to do and fail to do it because
of fear. At times, obedience is incomplete due to fear.
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The Israelites were concluding 40 years in the wilderness due to fear. What they saw as
impossible kept them from doing what God had wanted. Now the nation was once again on the
brink of entering the land.
A new leader stood before them. His frequent challenge was, “Be strong and courageous.” That
phrase is repeated four times in chapter 1 (vv. 6, 7, 9 and 18) and expressed in slightly different
terms in other, verses.
It was time to move out. They knew what they were to do and now they were to do it!
Notice what happened next. The spies brought back an encouraging report and the people
prepared to move out. Their first steps, though, were into a flooded river-—where their sandals
were to meet the mud, so to speak.
“Be strong and courageous” was put to the test when they stepped into that dangerous river. But
they obeyed and God blessed (3:15-16).
There will be times in our life of obedience that our courage will be tested. Be ready to step into
the river. God is faithful even when the river is wide.
“Today and every day, Lord, give me the courage to obey. / need the strength You give.”

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in