Joshua 1-4 The man Joshua was born in Egypt. He followed Moses through the desert for over 40 years faithfully. When Moses went into the tent to talk to God, he stood guard outside. When Moses was done and went to speak to the people, Joshua remained behind at the door of the tent of meeting. He saw the Red Sea open and the manna from heaven. He was one of two scouts out of the twelve that returned with a good report about the land they were to enter. Because Joshua, along with Caleb, was faithful, he would live to enter the Promised Land after a long 40 yrs of wandering. Joshua was tested and found faithful.
Now God is instructing Joshua as the new commander to lead the Israelites. As Moses closed Deuteronomy, he had one set of instructions: be strong and courageous. God would repeat those exact words over and over and over so Joshua would not hesitate to lead.

What instructions has God left you and me? It is this: follow God; be strong and courageous. The prophet Isaiah many years later, wrote these words: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” [Is 43:2]