Joshua 1:1-9 · 5-day study

The Next Faithful Step

Going deeper on Michael Todd's sermon at Transformation Church (Tulsa, OK).

Week of Oct 4, 2026

The big idea

God calls you to move forward with courage and steady obedience, trusting his presence as you help others follow him.

Day 1 · FreeJoshua 1:1-9

First Impressions

When the way forward feels bigger than you

Joshua 1 opens with a loss: Moses has died. For years, Moses was the person Israel looked to for direction. Now Joshua must lead the people across the Jordan River. Before God tells Joshua what to do, he names what has happened. Moses is dead. The story does not ask Joshua to pretend he is fine or act like Moses can be replaced. It begins with the truth. Maybe that is a good place for us to begin, too. A job has changed. Someone you counted on is gone. A plan you trusted has ended. You can tell the truth about what hurts and still listen for what God is asking of you next. Joshua did not choose this moment, but he does get to choose how to answer it.

God tells Joshua to cross the river and lead the people into the land he promised their ancestors. That promise belongs to Israel's story; it is not a blank check for us to claim any house, job, or outcome we want. Still, God's words show us something we can hold onto: he calls people to act while reminding them that they are not alone. Three times in this chapter, Joshua hears some form of ‘be strong and courageous.’ That sounds less like a command to feel fearless and more like help for someone who has good reason to be afraid. Courage may look like asking for help, having a hard talk, or beginning a task you have put off. It does not have to look impressive. Joshua has a river to cross. Your next step may be smaller, but it can still matter.

Notice what sits between the promise and the crossing. God tells Joshua to stay close to the instructions Moses passed on. Joshua is to think about them day and night and put them into practice. He cannot control the river, the people, or every problem ahead. He can pay attention to God's words and take the next faithful step. That gives us a gentle place to start this week. Read Joshua 1:1-9 once more, slowly. Which line catches your attention? Where do you feel stuck, or where are you tempted to rush ahead? You do not need a full map today. Bring that one place to God. Tell him what you fear, then ask what following him would look like there. He promised Joshua his presence for a real journey with real trouble ahead. Let that invitation help you take one honest step today.

Sit with this

  1. 1Where in my life do I need to take one faithful step, even though I feel unsure?

Journal prompt

Write about one change or loss you are facing. Name what you miss, what you fear, and one faithful step you can take this week.

Days 2–5 are in the app

Carry Michael Todd's sermon through the whole week.

  1. 2

    Look Closer

    Strength grows where attention goes

  2. 3

    What It Meant Then

    An old promise meets a new leader

  3. 4

    The Hard Question

    What happens when I know the next right thing?

  4. 5

    Carry It Forward

    God's presence travels beyond this week

Start this study free

Free while in beta. Journal and ask questions as you go.

Where the passage connects

  • Joshua 1:1-9

    God calls Joshua to lead after Moses, ties courage to obedience, and promises to stay with him wherever he goes.

  • Matthew 11:12

    Todd uses this verse to urge an active response to the advance of God's kingdom.

  • Joshua 4:1-9

    The stones carried from the Jordan become a lasting reminder of God's help for children yet to come.

  • Luke 9:23

    Jesus' call to carry a cross each day gives shape to the sermon’s challenge to bear responsibility for others.

  • Romans 8:11

    The power that raised Jesus grounds the closing encouragement that believers can face burdens beyond their own strength.

“new assignment, same instructions”

Michael Todd

“courage can be given but strength is built”

Michael Todd

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This study is an original devotional inspired by Michael Todd's message “It's Time To Ride: Tag! You're It // It's Time (Part 5) // Michael Todd” at Transformation Church. Watch the original sermon.