In the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, four times God tells Joshua to “Be strong and courageous,…” (6a,7a,9b & 18b). Fear and timidity must be overcome to move into God’s promises. However, there was another factor able to derail them from taking the land God defined and promised: “…be careful to do according to ALL the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (7b) A fresh word of exhortation never violates a previous command of God. In transition of leadership, we need not be gripped by fear, but neither are we to be reckless ignoring what God has said. God’s call to be strong and courageous is not honored by being reckless, but by being careful to honor His word. We must never confuse courage with recklessness. We need strength, courage and careful obedience to move into God’s promises.