Every problem introduces you to yourself. The way that Joshua responded to the challenge of leading God’s people told him what he needed to know about himself. When it came time for Joshua to take the place of Moses, God said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ And today God’s saying the same to you. He wants you to pursue the dream He’s put in your heart. And He wants you to push through the challenges you’ll meet with courage and strength. As you go out, pursuing what God has for you, you’ll grow. One of the main ways this happens is as you meet obstacles. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul talks about having a thorn in his side, some sort of problem he was facing. He pleads with God to remove it, but God replies: ‘My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you’ (v. 9 NCV). When you encounter obstacles, you discover things about yourself you never knew. You discover the depth of your faith in God, and confidence in yourself. Every problem introduces you to yourself. And yet you realise that, in yourself, you aren’t up to the task. You need God to inspire you with courage. You need the Spirit to be with you wherever you go. As you realise the task of being strong and courageous is beyond you, you see that God is the one who is your strength and courage. God is the one who makes you fit to the task. God is the one who helps you push back against obstacles, producing in you joy unspeakable and full of glory.