Following a sports legend is tough. Who could ever fill the shoes of Walter Payton, Magic Johnson, Nolan Ryan or Mia Hamm? Someone always has to. Who were the men and women who stepped in after the great ones were gone? I’m sure some of you sports buffs our there could tell us, but the point is that someone did take their place. Not without a little fear, though, I would imagine.  

 

After Moses passed away, the Lord spoke to Joshua and told him that his time had come to lead. The thing was, though, that he’d be taking over for one of the most renown leaders of all time. But God didn’t just throw Joshua out there with a pat on the back. He gave him His word that He would be with him. Three times God told Joshua to be strong and courageous and also gave Joshua His promise. 

 

First, God said that Joshua was the man to lead them. Second, He directed Joshua to follow His instructions completely. Third, God said that, no matter what happened, He would be with Joshua and his people. Joshua took comfort in these words.

 

As these incoming athletes stepped in to fill the roles of legends, each one had to be strong and courageous. They had to walk onto the court or field and do what their coach had asked them to do. Joshua had the same challenge. Following Moses was no simply task. However, he did listen to the Lord and do what he was asked to do.