God is a promise keeper. People may break their promises and let you down, but there has never been a promise that God has not fulfilled.

In Joshua 1, we will learn essential steps in seeing God’s promises and purposes fulfilled in our lives and discover the key to living a successful and prosperous life.

Joshua 1 opens with the passing of Moses. There was no more respected leader in Hebrew culture than Moses. Moses was a key figure in Israel’s history.

The book of Joshua represents the continuity of God’s promises from one generation to another. The LORD confirms that although Moses has died, God’s promises did not die with him.

As time passes and seasons change, God is the constant through it all.

In Joshua 1:5-9, three statements regarding the process of the promise and assurance of success are shared.

#1 God’s promises will be contested but cannot be defeated.

The Israelites encountered one challenge after another when they left Egypt and headed to the promised land. Let’s highlight a few of those challenges.

• They are chased by the Egyptian army and are stuck between a pursuing army and the impassable Red Sea, but God delivered them from both.
• Along the journey, they ran out of food, and the people began to panic, but God provided food in the middle of the desert.
• They arrive at another impassable body of water called the Jordan, but God made a way through it.
• Then as they get closer to the promised land, they are confronted with the extremely fortified walls of Jericho and no way around it, but God triumphed.

If God has called you to it, He will make a way through it.

#2 “No man shall be able to stand against you.” Joshua 1:5

The Hebrew word translated “to stand” means set or station oneself. This illustrates a stronghold meant to prevent you from success and victory.

• Obstacles are to be expected.
• Difficulties will arise.
• But God’s promises will prevail!

#3 Be strong and courageous.

Three times in verses 6-9, the command to be strong and courageous is given. Walking in God’s will does not shield us from our insecurities or fears but allows us to override them by faith. We must choose to be strong and courageous.  

God’s promises are spoken in terms of certainty, not chances. They exist in both waiting for and already received because God is the guarantor of the promise.

Although the battle belongs to the LORD, we must fight for it.

Verse 7 provides us with the key to victory. “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7

The Hebrew word translated as “careful” means to keep, watch over, guard.

This reveals our duty to learn, understand, and implement what the scriptures teach. We are to be intentional in executing God’s instructions.

Faith isn’t measured by how much we know but by how much of it we live. You can have a Ph.D. in theology, but if you are not living by faith, then it is pointless.

The importance of obedience to God’s law (the Bible) cannot be overstated. Here are three points on the importance of obedience to God’s law.

#1 Joshua was to be careful to do all the law.

All of God’s instructions work seamlessly together to produce an outcome beyond our natural ability.

#2 Joshua was to not deviate from God’s law.

Joshua was to remain laser-focused on God’s Word.

#3 God’s law should not depart from his mouth.

God’s Word, His law, was meant to be on his lips, ready to respond to any situation. Joshua 1:8 promises success and prosperity if we follow God’s instructions.

The word prosperity in Hebrew means to advance, to make progress.

This means that God will guarantee His plans for us, and His promises will come to pass no matter the obstacles.

God has plans for you. Be fully committed to God and His Word and, by faith, believe God for everything He has prepared for you!