Moses was dead and the Israelites needed a leader. Joshua must’ve been shaking at the thought of trying to fill the great leader’s sandals, but God assured him of His presence. He then commanded Joshua: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:8). God repeated this command to Joshua and we know two things:

1. Joshua listened. There were other voices, but Joshua chose to listen to God.
2. Joshua obeyed. There were a million temptations to distrust God, but Joshua chose obedience.

Fast-forward ten chapters and Joshua needs to encourage his army. Guess what he said to them? “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25). The words God had spoken to him became the words he spoke to others. 

When we listen, we hear God’s heart – not just the content of the words but also the love draped around them. And when we obey God in all circumstances, we develop the kind of trust that God desires.

Don’t you want to be able to speak the words of God to the hurting, discouraged, distracted, lonely, and confused? Listen and obey. Before long, God’s words will fill your heart and conversations. And you’ll do what you were commanded to do – help others listen to God and obey Him too.

God Joshua listen obey strong and courageous talk