““Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joshua had just taken over following Moses death. He had been an assistant to Moses for the entire journey through the wilderness (approximately 40 years). God confirmed Joshua as the one who would lead the Israelites into the "Promised Land". This would be a monumental task to accomplish. God told Joshua to do exactly as he had been instructed by Moses and to be strong and courageous. God assured Joshua that he would be successful if he obeyed the instructions in the law. This required complete devotion. Joshua had proven his faithfulness to God by being faithful to serve Moses all those years. I Peter 5:6 tells us “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” NLT‬‬.

When we serve faithfully in the place God appoints us, we, too, will see the exalting hand of God upon us in due season. We need to do two things:
First, know where God places us and serve faithfully there.
Second, follow God's Word meticulously. Then, and only then, will we be truly successful in life.
Verse 8 of today's reading verifies the simple, yet profound pathway to success in God's sight - constantly meditating upon and executing the instructions of the Lord.
Only God's Word can properly direct our steps. Are your steps in line with God's Word?

Prayer for today:
Father, in Jesus name, order my steps in Your Word and help me be strong and courageous in a very challenging culture. May I never compromise Your Word. Help me remain faithful to You!