Be Strong and Courageous: God Goes Before You (Deuteronomy 31:1–8)
Big changes can make us feel nervous, even scared. Whether it’s a new job, a move, a change in leadership, or the unknowns of tomorrow, it’s easy to wonder: What’s going to happen next? The people of Israel were facing one of those moments, and Moses had some important words for them.
Moses Prepares to Say Goodbye
Moses had led the people of Israel for many years. But now, at 120 years old, he told them it was time for someone else to take over. He wouldn’t be going with them into the Promised Land.
Instead, God had chosen a new leader—Joshua. Moses explained that while he was stepping aside, God was still in charge. God would go before them into the land and help them win battles, just like He had done before.
Don’t Be Afraid—God Is With You
Moses reminded the people of how God had helped them in the past—how He had defeated their enemies and protected them. Because of that, they didn’t need to be afraid now. The same God who had helped them before would help them again.
He said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” These are comforting words, not just for them, but for us too.
A Message for Joshua
Then Moses turned to Joshua, the new leader, and spoke directly to him in front of everyone. He told Joshua to be strong and brave. Leading the people would be a big job, but he wouldn’t be doing it alone.
God would go ahead of him, and God would stay with him. Joshua didn’t need to be afraid or discouraged, because God’s presence would make all the difference.
What This Means for Us
We all face times of uncertainty and change. It can feel scary to step into the unknown. But just like God went with Joshua and the Israelites, He goes with us too.
When you’re unsure about what’s next, remember this: you are not alone. God is already there, walking ahead of you, staying beside you, and never letting go.
So be strong. Be courageous. And trust that wherever life takes you, God goes before you.
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 (WEB)
31:1 Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 He said to them, “I am one hundred twenty years old today. I can no more go out and come in. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ 3 The LORD your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua will go over before you, as the LORD has spoken. 4 The LORD will do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 The LORD will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”7 Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”