“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)

At the end of his life, Joshua stood before the people of Israel at Shechem. He planted a great stone in the ground as a witness and challenged them to take a stand, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Then he declared where he stood, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). What a moment! What a unique leader, standing alone before his people! But Joshua isn’t unique in his commitment — we see among us those making the same choice every day. If we look, we can find every step of Joshua’s journey — from the Exodus to the conquest of Canaan — even in our own lives of faith.

Serving in the Shadows

Before he was a leader, Joshua was a learner. He followed Moses up Mount Sinai, stood guard at the tent of meeting, and led Israel’s first battle while Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands. Just as his mentor, Moses, spent decades with sheep on a mountain, those years in the background laid the foundation for his faith. God teaches leaders in the quiet places, watching, praying, serving, and growing in humble faith.

Just one partner in the faith can make all the difference.

Standing (Almost) Alone

In the Tom Cruise sci-fi movie, Minority Report, police arrest people before they commit crimes based on the reports of “pre-cogs” who can see the future. Cruise’s character is accused of murder, but then he discovers a “minority report,” a dissenting vision that says that the future isn’t fixed. In Joshua’s life, when twelve spies entered the Promised Land, ten came back with the majority report, saying Israel couldn’t defeat the mighty Canaanites. They described tall walls and giant people until their fear spread like wildfire through the camp. But two men, Joshua and Caleb, returned with a minority report of faith.

“If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them” (Num. 14:8-9).

Their reward for their faith? The others wanted to stone them (Num. 14:10)! It must have been lonely, but at least Joshua wasn’t completely alone. Just one partner in the faith can make all the difference, as Caleb and Joshua surely helped each other. Look around and see those who stand with you. How can you support your brothers and sisters, show up next to them in service, and let faith (not fear) have the final word?

Stepping Up to Lead

Years later, when Moses was gone and the Jordan River stood before them, God gave Joshua a clear charge: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:8). His strength wouldn’t come from his army, but from God’s presence and Word (Joshua 1:6-9; cf. Eph. 6:10-18). Every new challenge — from Jericho’s walls to Gibeon’s deception — confirmed the truth that victory comes through obedience.

Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to Israel had failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45)

On the eve of battle, Joshua met a mysterious figure with a drawn sword — the commander of the Lord’s army. When Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the answer must have stopped him cold: Neither. “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come” (Joshua 5:13-15). Joshua fell to the ground, sandals off, realizing once again that leadership begins with submission. Look around and you’ll find some saints who have learned, like Joshua, that great leadership comes from following the one who already commands the field.

Witnessing God’s Blessing

At the end of the story, Israel rests in the land, and Joshua spends chapter after chapter detailing the new land to help us see God’s faithfulness. “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to Israel had failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). And God, who kept his promises to Joshua, will keep his promises to you. Joshua’s life calls us to look around and see the Joshuas among us — those who quietly serve, stand firm when it’s hard, and trust God to keep his word. But it also calls us to be Joshua by staying faithful in the shadows or the spotlight. Courageously take your stand today and every day, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”