Text: Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18 (ESV)
Oftentimes we can be tempted to believe that only the “ultra–spiritual” and “super–holy” are the ones who are suited for serving as pastors, missionaries, and leaders within the church. As a result, we may not only disqualify ourselves from the possibility of serving in these ways, we may also distance ourselves from the process of training and equipping those who are pursuing these roles. Through the story of Joshua’s early life we can discern that the people of God play a vital role in the development of leaders for the next generation, and it is from those ordinary people that God often calls out and calls up those He appoints to lead. Whether or not He calls you to lead, He calls all of us to celebrate and encourage strength and courage in those who respond to His call to lead.