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At the beginning of the Book of Joshua, there is a leadership transition that takes place for the Children of Israel. The great patriarch Moses has died. Moses was the instrumental leader God used to bring the Children of Israel from bondage in Egypt to the entrance of the Promised Land. It was through Moses that God established the Tent of Meetings, worship practices and laws for how Israel was to live and exist. 

The patriarch provided so much more than leadership, as he was a statesman of the Lord through whom God worked many miracles and gave guidance to the people. There is no questioning the fact that Moses was one of the most prolific leaders in the Old Testament. 

The Book of Joshua opens up by stating Moses has died. The great statesmen of the Almighty was no more. Moses led Israel for 40-plus years, so the news would have sent a ripple of concern throughout the nation. Who would be able to fill the shoes of Moses in leading this great people into the Promised Land? Prior to the death of Moses, Joshua had been commissioned by the patriarch to take his place. But how would Joshua be able to succeed as the new leader and follow in the footsteps of Moses? 

The question of whether or not a new leader is able to replace an outgoing leader is not dependent upon the new leader being the same person as the former leader. Joshua did not have to be like Moses or try to imitate the former leader to be effective. Any attempt to mimic Moses would not have benefited Joshua or Israel and could have ended in disaster. Joshua did not need to concern himself with trying to be someone he was not in order to be a good leader. God provided Joshua with the criteria for what it would take for him to be successful as the new commander in chief of the Children of Israel.

In the first chapter of the Book of Joshua, God tells the new leader, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” 

There was a 3-step process that, if followed, would cause Joshua to be prosperous and successful. 

Step one was to keep the law of God in his mouth. By speaking the law of God, Joshua would not be speaking negativity, criticism, gossip or unwholesome words. Step two was to meditate day and night upon the law of God. Thoughts of becoming wealthy and powerful cannot overtake the mind when the brain is consumed with God’s law. Step three was to act upon the law of God; carrying out in deed what God’s law stated. By following this simple 3-step process, God told Joshua he would flourish and be triumphant. 

Joshua became an exceptional leader who took Israel into the Promised Land and gained significant victories for the Hebrew people. And he did so by following God’s instructions. 

Many of us desire to be the best we can be in this life. We hope to be impactful. There is a longing to be successful and prosperous in the things that are most important in this life, like being an exceptional follower of Jesus, spouse, parent, friend or community leader. 

The way for our longings and desires to become reality starts by observing the same 3-step process God gave to Joshua; meditating, speaking and carrying out God’s Word in our life. 

So, as you are seeking to be your best, remember to uphold these three things in your life. By doing so, you can become all you are meant to be!