We love the idea of strength and courage. It’s no wonder those words have inspired countless books, motivational talks, and wall art slogans. But what happens when true strength and deep courage require something most of us would rather avoid—complete surrender?
This is the message of Joshua, a book that calls us to holy living and a life fully surrendered to God. Joshua is more than a story of military conquest or leadership; it’s a call to align our lives with God’s will, no matter the cost. It challenges our cultural narrative of self-reliance and personal empowerment by reminding us that true strength and courage flow only from absolute surrender to the One who holds all power and authority.
The Call to Choose Life
As Joshua steps into leadership, he carries forward the charge given by Moses to the people of Israel: “I set before you life and death… choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Choosing life means more than just surviving or thriving by worldly standards. It means surrendering to the Giver of life—God Himself. It means stepping away from self-made plans and walking in obedience to His Word, even when it seems counterintuitive or costly.
This kind of surrender takes courage. It takes the kind of strength that refuses to bow to fear or compromise, no matter how loud the world’s voice becomes. But this courage isn’t rooted in us; it’s rooted in the One who calls us to surrender.
Joshua: A Picture of Jesus
The story of Joshua doesn’t just prepare us for the battles of life; it prepares us to see Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. Joshua’s name, meaning “The Lord saves,” points us to the Savior who would come generations later. Jesus Christ fully surrendered His life to the Father, walking the path of perfect obedience. He surrendered it again on the cross so that we, too, might live lives of holiness.
Following Jesus means more than living for Him; it means dying to ourselves. He calls us to take up our cross daily, to set aside our dreams of “living our best lives” in exchange for a life of faithfulness and surrender.
Jesus didn’t promise ease. He promised His presence. He didn’t call us to self-sufficiency but to dependence on Him.
Living Surrendered Lives
Joshua’s leadership begins with a bold declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This wasn’t just an inspiring speech; it was a decision to choose surrender over self-direction, God’s promises over worldly priorities.
This is the choice before us, too.
- Will we surrender our plans and trust God’s purposes, even when the way forward feels uncertain?
- Will we choose holiness over convenience, obedience over popularity?
- Will we allow the One who saves to lead every area of our lives—our thoughts, actions, finances, and relationships?
Joshua shows us that surrender is not the absence of courage but its truest form. It’s the act of entrusting ourselves to the God who has already secured the victory.
Strength Through Surrender
As we step into this study of Joshua, we’ll explore what it means to live a surrendered life. We’ll see how God’s faithfulness sustains His people, how His presence emboldens us to face the impossible, and how His holiness calls us to reflect Him in every part of our lives.
Most importantly, we’ll see how Joshua’s story points us to Jesus, the One who surrendered all so that we might live.
Strength and courage aren’t about our ability to stand tall; they’re about our willingness to bow low. True strength is found in total surrender, and deep courage is the byproduct of trust in the One who goes before us.
Will you follow Him with a heart of surrender? Will you trust Him to make you strong and courageous as you take that step of faith?
The journey begins here. Choose life. Choose surrender. Choose Him.
Join the Dwelling Richly study through Joshua. Details here.
Here’s some practical ways you can start today…
1. Memorize and Meditate on Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Write this verse on a card or save it as your phone’s lock screen. Reflect on what it means to draw strength and courage from God’s presence. Ask yourself daily: Am I living today in light of God’s promise to be with me?
2. Begin Each Day with a Prayer of Surrender
Take five minutes each morning to pray something like this:
“Lord, today I surrender my plans, my fears, and my desires to You. Help me to seek Your will above my own and to walk in obedience to Your Word. Strengthen me to live a life that reflects Your holiness.”
This simple prayer sets the tone for the day and helps refocus your heart on God’s purposes.
3. Commit to a Specific Act of Holiness
Identify one area of your life where God is calling you to greater obedience. Maybe it’s extending forgiveness, turning from a sin pattern, or committing to purity in thought or action. Write it down and ask God for strength to follow through this week.
4. Practice Daily Bible Reading with Intentionality
Read a short passage from Joshua each day. Before you read, ask:
- What does this teach me about God’s character?
- How can I apply this to my life today?
Start with Joshua 1:1-9, focusing on God’s call to courage and obedience. Let these truths shape your decisions throughout the day.
5. Spend Time in Community
Share your desire to live a surrendered and holy life with a trusted friend or small group. Ask them to pray for you and to hold you accountable this week. Discuss how surrendering to God’s will impacts your daily life and encourage one another with Scripture.
6. Extend Grace to Someone Else
Holiness involves reflecting God’s character. Identify one person you can intentionally show grace to this week—someone who has wronged you, someone in need of help, or someone difficult to love. Let this be a tangible way to surrender your pride and self-interest for the sake of glorifying God.
7. Fast from a Comfort to Refocus on God
Choose one comfort—social media, TV, a favorite snack—and fast from it for a day or two. Use the time you would spend on that activity to pray or read Scripture, surrendering your desire for temporary satisfaction to grow in your dependence on God.
These steps are not about improving yourself or achieving a checklist of good deeds. They’re about cultivating a heart that is surrendered to God and actively pursuing holiness. True strength and courage flow from the daily decision to trust and obey Him. Will you take one or more of these steps this week?
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