“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua, 1:9 (NKJV)

Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Mose's death, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant, and it was now upon him to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.

Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through his word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that  because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).

Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming based on our past experiences as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of gigantic proportions. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from no where and we seemed all submerged. Self doubts could be paralyzing us.

The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we too walk in that confidence.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’s name.