Be Strong and Courageous: Facing Life’s Challenges Through the Book of Joshua

by Donna Snow

When the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, it was no small assignment. Moses was gone. The wilderness years were over. Now came the real challenge—entering, claiming, and settling the land God had promised generations earlier. Standing at the edge of Jordan, Joshua was not only stepping into a physical territory but also into a spiritual battlefield that required courage, obedience, and relentless faith.

For us today, the Book of Joshua isn’t just an ancient military record. It’s a guide for facing our own challenges—with confidence in God, trust in His promises, and boldness in our faith.

1. Facing Challenges with Confidence in God

Joshua’s journey begins with one of the most repeated commands in all of Scripture: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9).

Why did God say it three times in just a few verses? Because courage doesn’t come naturally when we’re staring down enemies, crossing unknown rivers, or feeling inadequate for the task ahead. Joshua knew the size of the fortified cities and the strength of their armies. But more than that, he knew the size and strength of the Lord God Almighty.

God didn’t just command Joshua to be strong—He gave him the reason why: “Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). That divine presence made all the difference.

Likewise, when we face challenges—a new job, a scary diagnosis, a broken relationship—we can respond with confidence. Not because we feel strong, but because God is with us. His presence is our power. His promises are our foundation.

2. Why We Can Trust God

Throughout the Book of Joshua, God proves Himself faithful time and time again.

• He held back the Jordan River during flood season so His people could cross on dry ground (Joshua 3).

• He caused the walls of Jericho to fall through praise and obedience, not weapons (Joshua 6).

• He fought for Israel when they were outnumbered, even sending hailstones from heaven (Joshua 10:11).

But before all that, God had already shown His character. Joshua had witnessed the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and water from the rock. Joshua had seen that when God says something, He does it. Period.

That’s why we can trust God—because His track record is flawless.

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

In our lives, God may not part a river or drop walls, but He keeps every promise. He is with us (Matthew 28:20), He strengthens us (Isaiah 41:10), and He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Trust grows when we remember who God is and what He’s done—both in Scripture and in our own story.

3. Being Bold in Our Faith

Joshua wasn’t just confident and trusting—he was bold.

Boldness shows up in moments like:

• Telling the people to consecrate themselves before they crossed the Jordan.

• Marching around Jericho for seven days even when it didn’t make sense.

• Confronting sin in the camp after Israel’s defeat at Ai.

• Leading with conviction, even when others doubted or feared.

But perhaps Joshua’s boldest moment came at the end of his life, when he declared: “Choose this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Boldness isn’t brash. It’s rooted in truth. It’s a quiet, unshakable stand in the face of cultural pressure, personal fear, or spiritual opposition. And bold faith isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.

Today, we are called to that same kind of boldness. To stand for Christ even when it’s unpopular. To love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, and walk by faith when the outcome isn’t clear. It takes boldness to live a life set apart—but we’re not alone.

God told Joshua, and He tells us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

Final Thoughts: Walking in Joshua’s Footsteps

The Book of Joshua challenges us to face our Jerichos, to cross our Jordans, and to trust God for the victory. It reminds us that even when the task seems impossible, our God is faithful. And it calls us to a bold, active faith—a faith that moves forward, not backward.

Here are three takeaways for your journey:

• Be strong and courageous. Not because you feel brave, but because God is with you.

• Trust God’s promises. He has never failed and never will.

• Live boldly. Let your faith shape your choices, your voice, and your stand for truth.

When we live like Joshua—courageous, obedient, and all-in with God—we’ll find that the battles we face are not ours to win alone. The same God who led Joshua into the Promised Land walks with us today, ready to lead us through every challenge with strength, victory, and peace.

Donna Snow is a multi-published author with Concordia Publishing House and the LWML. She is a sought-after author and speaker who devotes full-time to writing about and teaching the Gospel through her non-profit ministry, Artesian Ministries. You can connect with Donna at www.ArtesianMinistries.org.