Two men, both named Gideon, fought with swords but trusted God to lead them to victory. Both implemented creative strategies to lead their people out of captivity, despite being outnumbered. We can move forward with confidence when we remember that God will fight our battles.
Choose Ye This Day
Joshua challenged his people to commit to serve God and avoid idolatry. He framed this call to commitment in terms of agency: Choose you this day. Nephi's descendants saw this scripture both as an affirmation of religious liberty and as a call to religious fidelity.
There Failed Not Ought
The author of Joshua steps back near the end of the book to clearly state the core message of the book: God keeps His promises. Mormon provides similar conclusions in the Book of Mormon, even inviting readers to conduct their own inventory and see for themselves.
Joshua and Moroni: Lessons from the War Chapters
The battles described in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon can teach us important principles. The experiences of both Joshua and Captain Moroni demonstrate the importance of preparedness, focus, and faith.
Joshua’s Twin Admonitions
Two admonitions function as bookends to the book of Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage," and "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon demonstrate that these admonitions are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
We Are Well Able: Caleb and Joshua
Twelve scouts saw the same promised land. Ten saw walled cities and said, "We can't do it." Two saw milk and honey and said, "We are well able." When challenges come, recognize the positive signs, keep the negative in perspective, and trust that God can help you achieve worthy goals.
The Comfort of Complaint
Nephi explained that his brothers murmured because they didn't understand God's dealings. As the Israelites discovered in the wilderness, those dealings include delayed gratification, giving us space to develop faith in Him. We usually associate complaining with discomfort, but a pattern of murmuring represents a retreat to the familiar and an unwillingness to trust God.
A Way for Moses, a Way for Nephi, and a Way for the Jaredites
God helped Moses, Nephi, and the Jaredites all to cross large bodies of water. He helped them each in a different way, tailored to their needs and circumstances. God will always provide a way for us to accomplish His purposes, but it isn't always the same way, so we need to be adaptable.
Faith and Asymmetric Knowing
Joseph's brothers didn't recognize him, which enabled them to prove themselves to him. Periods of not knowing can create powerful opportunities for growth, strengthening relationships, and building faith.
Two Coats: Obedience, Loss, and New Beginnings in the Life of Joseph
Joseph lost both his outer garment and his freedom twice. His brothers stripped him of his coat and sold him into slavery. Potiphar's wife used his outer garment to falsely accuse him. But he remained faithful through both trials. Don't let repeated setbacks shake your faith.