Sunday Morning Service: 6/14/2026 [Joshua: Built To Lead - Be Strong and Courageous]

God turns up the light when the darkness gets thick, and God is stirring young hearts again to step into a different kind of life. The call that Joshua hears after Moses’ death lands the same way now. God says, as clearly as it can be said, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” then commands, “Be strong and courageous.” That courage is not swagger. It is obedience rooted in the book of the law, chewed on day and night, and walked out without swerving to the left or right. God prepares leaders before the need arrives, and Joshua’s long wait makes that plain.

Joshua’s story does not start in the spotlight. God shapes him in the wilderness and in battle under Moses. At Rephidim, when Moses’ staff goes up and down and the tide of the fight swings, the victory belongs to the Lord, and the Lord says, “Write it” so Joshua never forgets where strength comes from. When the baton passes, Joshua gives his first orders, and the people answer with unusual resolve, “Whatever you command us we will do,” then echo God’s word back to him, “Only be strong and courageous.” Courage multiplies when it is anchored in the presence of God.

Joshua does what faithful leaders do. He sends two spies, and God meets them in a surprising house. Rahab hides them, speaks with trembling honesty about hearts melting in Jericho, and confesses, “Your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Delegated courage shows up in wise action. The spies covenant protection, and a scarlet sign in a window becomes the thread that ties a family to mercy.

Then the river swells. The Jordan stands at flood stage, and God does not shrink the water before the priests move. The ark goes first. The people are told to keep their eyes on God’s presence, to consecrate themselves, and to step where they have never stepped before. Feet touch the edge, the water stacks like a wall, and the ground underneath turns dry. God exalts Joshua in the eyes of the people, not because Joshua is impressive, but because God is faithful. Twelve heavy stones are lifted from the riverbed and stacked as a story families can point to when children ask, “What do these stones mean?” Leadership remembers, teaches, and builds markers of God’s faithfulness. The same God who speaks in Joshua speaks through Isaiah, promising that waters will not sweep over and flames will not consume. The call is simple and strong. Trust God’s presence, obey God’s word, and step into the Jordan before it parts.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s presence fuels true courage True courage is not self-confidence but God-confidence. When God says, “I will be with you,” obedience can move into hard places without flinching. The promise of presence steadies leaders far more than outcomes do. Courage grows when scripture and the nearness of God become the daily diet. [31:05]
• 2. Waiting seasons shape trustworthy leaders Long stretches of hidden faithfulness are not wasted time, they are formation. Like Lincoln’s losses and Joshua’s wilderness years, setbacks sand down pride and grow resilience. God often delays the platform until the character can carry it. The wait itself becomes part of the testimony. [25:43]
• 3. Follow the Ark, then step in Direction comes by keeping eyes on God’s presence and by consecrating what no one else can see, the inner life. God often asks for wet feet before dry ground appears. Faith does not test the river with a stick, it shoulders the ark and moves. Holiness and risk walk side by side. [53:07]
• 4. Pass courage down the line Courage is contagious when it is sourced in God. From Moses to Joshua, from Joshua to the spies, and from the spies to Rahab, faith and wise action spread. Leaders give people permission to act with holy boldness by modeling it and by delegating real decisions. Handed-down courage carries households. [47:44]
• 5. Build memorials that disciple families Spiritual memory needs physical markers that prompt good questions. Lifting heavy stones teaches that grace met effort that day, and that God did what no one else could do. When children ask what the stones mean, testimony turns into training. Families learn to name and remember the faithfulness of God. [58:55]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [20:52] - Young adults returning to church
• [21:36] - When darkness gets darker
• [23:28] - Lincoln’s long wait
• [26:22] - From slave to leader
• [30:37] - God’s charge to Joshua
• [34:32] - Shaped in the Amalekite battle
• [39:32] - People pledge obedience
• [42:13] - Two spies enter Jericho
• [43:59] - Rahab’s faith and deal
• [48:59] - Jordan at flood stage
• [50:57] - Follow the Ark, consecrate
• [53:07] - Step in, waters stand, dry ground
• [58:35] - Twelve stones for future generations
• [60:15] - Promises for rivers and fire

1. In Joshua 1:6-9, what specific instructions does God repeat to Joshua, and what promise does He attach to them?
2. What physical action did the priests carrying the ark have to take before the Jordan River parted? (Joshua 3:14-17) [54:23]
3. According to the sermon, what two things did the Israelites do to prepare for crossing the Jordan? (Joshua 3:5) [52:15]
4. What did the twelve stones from the riverbed symbolize for future generations? (Joshua 4:6-7)

1. Why do you think God repeated “be strong and courageous” three times in Joshua 1:6-9? How does this connect to His promise of presence?
2. The priests had to step into the flooded Jordan River before the waters stopped. What does this reveal about the relationship between faith and action? [53:07]
3. Rahab’s story (Joshua 2) shows courage spreading from leaders to an outsider. How might “delegated courage” impact communities today?
4. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” How does this relate to the Jordan River crossing and modern challenges?

1. What “Jordan” are you facing right now—a situation requiring faith to step forward before seeing a clear path? What would it look like to “follow the ark” (keep your focus on God’s presence) in this? [50:57]
2. Where do you need to replace self-reliance (“swagger”) with God-confidence this week? Identify one fear or decision where you’ll lean on His promise: “I will never leave you.”
3. The Israelites built stone memorials to remember God’s faithfulness. What tangible reminder (e.g., journal, object, ritual) could you create to help your family recall God’s work in your lives? [58:55]
4. Who in your life (a coworker, child, friend) needs you to “pass down courage” through encouragement or shared faith stories? How will you intentionally do this?
5. Reflect on a past “waiting season” that shaped your character. How can that experience strengthen you to trust God’s timing in a current situation? [25:43]
6. The spies made a bold promise to Rahab despite the risk. When has God called you to take a wise risk for someone’s spiritual good? Is He prompting you to do this now?