Written by In today’s intercessory prayer sermon, we’re studying Joshua 1:1–9 (KJV):
“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua stood at the edge of destiny. Moses had passed away, and the responsibility of leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land rested on his shoulders. The weight of this divine commission must have felt overwhelming, but God gave Joshua the winning strategy for success—obedience and courage.
God’s message was clear: success is not determined by strength or numbers but by obedience to His Word. The Lord instructed Joshua to meditate on His commands day and night so that His ways would govern every decision. In doing so, Joshua would find favor and prosperity wherever he went.
In the same way, believers today are called to examine our obedience to God’s commands as we step into new territories of purpose. When our hearts and actions align with His Word, success follows us—not because of what we do, but because of who walks with us.
Joshua was reminded that God’s presence would never leave him. The Lord’s promise, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,” echoes to every believer who dares to trust God’s leading. Fear and doubt may arise, but faith and obedience dispel them. The devil’s strategy is always to disrupt obedience, because disobedience disconnects us from the flow of divine blessing. But when we remain faithful, our steps are guarded by His favor, and no obstacle can stand against us.
Through obedience, we walk in a hedge of divine protection. The Word of God becomes the lamp that guides our steps and the sword that defends us. Even in seasons of trial, courage comes from remembering that the same God who walked with Moses and Joshua walks with us.
**Lessons Learned:**
1. Obedience to God’s Word is the foundation of success.
2. Meditating on Scripture day and night keeps us aligned with His will.
3. God’s presence is our greatest assurance of victory.
4. Fear fades when faith rises.
5. Disobedience breaks our connection to blessing.
6. True courage flows from knowing God is with us wherever we go.
7. Our crowns are preserved through faithfulness and endurance.
8. Grace saves us, but obedience demonstrates our love and loyalty.
As God commanded Joshua, He commands us today: “Be strong and of good courage.” Those who walk in obedience to His Word will prosper in all they do, for the Lord goes before them and is their rear guard.
