No guts, no glory

It must have been an intimidating moment for Joshua.
For over 40 years, the people had been following Moses. Actually, all of them had been born in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb, so only knew that kind of life (wandering), menu (manna), and terrain (desert). And the only leader they had known was Moses.
Now he was dead.
Moses had been mentoring Joshua for years, but now was the moment of truth--would the people switch their allegiance? Would they be willing to embark on a totally different stage of their existence, moving into the promised land?
No wonder God told Joshua: "Be strong and courageous". At least three times God told him to be strong. He wanted to make sure Joshua knew he wasn't alone in this new endeavor. No wonder God said: "As I was with Moses, I will be with you". No wonder He promised: "Today I will exalt you in the eyes of the people".
As for Joshua, he moved forward in faith. He got his direction from God, and boldly proclaimed the steps to be followed.
God kept His word, and Joshua's word was fulfilled.
We remember Moses as God's deliverer of the people from Egypt, but it was Joshua who brought them into the promised land.
"Be strong and courageous."
No guts, no glory.